LA MIRADA, Calif. – The Warriors women's soccer team started their road trip down in Southern California in a closely contested tie at Biola University on Thursday, 1-1.
The Warriors' defensive unit was tested heavily throughout the 90 minutes, as the Eagles outshot Jessup 25-6. Senior goalkeeper Celeste Fernandez was the cornerstone of the defensive effort, playing the full match and delivering a magnificent 8 saves—3 in the first period and a crucial 5 in the second—to keep the Warriors within striking distance.
Biola took the early lead in the first half when Peyton Nelson scored at the 27:35 mark, assisted by Taylor Bradshaw, giving the Eagles a 0-1 advantage. The score remained 0-1 in favor of Biola until deep into the second period.
Jessup's crucial breakthrough came at 70:11 when Gracyn Wilkinson netted the tying goal, assisted by Giselle Torres. Wilkinson's goal was her first of the season as well as the teams first conference goal of the year. The draw gives the Warriors its second conference point in the PacWest.
Head Coach Amsalu Fantahun is proud of the way the team started the road trip, "Great start on the road. We began the game a bit slow, but overall, we played well for the majority of it." He continued, "Excellent performances from our two center backs. Also, a solid first conference goal from Gracyn. Looking forward to our next game on Saturday. We're very happy and proud of the team."
The Warriors (1-4-2, 0-1-2 PacWest) will continue their road trip in Southern California. Jessup women's soccer will visit Vanguard University in Costa Mesa on Saturday, October 4th.
***
Jessup University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II and the PacWest Conference. For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Instagram & X).
