ROCKLIN, Calif. – If it's always a good time when the Warriors win, then Friday on Warrior Field was a day never to forget. Backed by four goals, the Warriors ended the preseason schedule with a bang, shutting out the visiting Lincoln University Oaklanders.
 
"I'm very happy with today," said head coach Amsalu Fantahun. "We gave almost everyone a chance to play, and as you see, they played well. They moved the ball and controlled the game. We still need to work on some stuff up top in the attacking third, but we are doing well."
 
Fantahun spoke on Tuesday that he would use today's match as a chance to finalize his lineup for the conference schedule. When asked if he has more clarity, he added, "I now have a clearer idea of how we can start, and if we want to make a change, who we will look to."
 
Leading the Jessup offense, like so many days before, was sophomore forward Kaylee Gillespie. The left-footed forward netted two goals in the victory, with one coming midway through the first half and the second just ten minutes into the final 45.
 
Gillespie was all over the pitch in this one, as Fantahun started her up top on the right wing but quickly made a move to have her play on the left. The move worked, as Gillespie fired nine of Jessup's 24 shots.
 
The Warriors made it a 3-0 game in the 79th minute after Jessup capitalized on a defensive trait Lincoln had shown all game. The Oaklanders baited the Warriors to be called offside eight times in the match by having their backline step up before the Warriors could play the ball over the top.
 
To combat this defensive alignment, Jessup began attacking from midfield, starting with Kye Johnson, who took a pass from Haley Norlie in Jessup's defensive half. Johnson then sprinted up the field with the ball, using her speed to create a one-on-one chance that found the net.
 
Jessup would strike in an identical fashion five minutes later, this time off the foot of Kennah Shaffer, who too dribbled from midfield to score.
 
Of the 24 shots Jessup got off in the match, 11 went on goal. Lincoln recorded all five of their shots in the second half, with their only chance on goal being saved by Madeline Jern.
 
A goal for the Oaklanders did come midway through the second half, but it was waved off due to Lincoln being offside.
 
With the win, Jessup moves to 2-3-1 on the season. They will now prepare for the GSAC and Hope International on Thursday at 11 a.m.
   
William Jessup University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on William Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: William Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter & Instagram).