FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Warriors secured a hard-fought road victory on Tuesday night, defeating Sacred Heart University 3-1 at the William H. Pitt Center. Displaying offensive efficiency and a strong defensive presence at the net, the Warriors overcame a third-set stumble to finish the match with a statement win in the fourth.
Jessup set the tone in the opening set, utilizing a balanced attack to claim a 25-20 lead. The momentum carried into the second period, which proved to be a battle into extra points. The Warriors edged out the Pioneers 26-24 to take a commanding 2-0 match lead.
While Sacred Heart managed to claw back in the third set with a narrow 26-24 win of their own, Jessup responded immediately in the fourth, closing out the match with a 25-19 victory.
The Warriors' offense was firing on all cylinders, finishing the night with 57 kills and a .300 hitting percentage. Jan Lopuch led the charge with a match-high 17 kills and three service aces, contributing a total of 21 points to the Jessup cause.
He was joined in double figures by Clement Osahon Jr. and Jacob Knudsen, who each tallied 12 kills. Osahon Jr. was particularly efficient, hitting a staggering .579 on the night while also recording four blocks.
Directing the offense was Colin Marks, who tallied 46 assists and nine digs. The Warriors' defensive effort was bolstered by 40 team digs, with Marks and Knudsen leading the way with nine apiece. At the net, Jessup out-blocked the Pioneers 9.5 to 8, with Carter Depue, Owen Henning, and Osahon Jr. each recording four block involvements.
With the win, Jessup improves to 2-3 overall on the season. The Warriors will get a little break and then look to build on this momentum as they continue their road trip for a matchup February 6th at Stanford University.
***
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).
