LA JOLLA, Calif. – The Jessup University Warriors officially ushered in a new era of program history Tuesday night, making their debut as members of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF). Taking on the No. 10 ranked UC San Diego Tritons inside LionTree Arena, the Warriors showed they belong on the big stage, battling through four competitive sets before ultimately falling 3-1 (20-25, 22-25, 25-22, 20-25).

The match marked a significant milestone for Jessup, as they faced their first nationally ranked opponent of the 2026 campaign. Despite the loss, the Warriors' performance against a top-tier Big West program provided plenty of optimism for the season ahead.

Jessup's offense was paced by Carter Depue, who finished the night with a team-high nine kills. Depue was a force on both sides of the net, also contributing seven digs and five blocks. Joining him in the offensive effort was Clement Osahon Jr., who tallied eight kills and led the defensive charge at the net with a match-high six blocks. Owen Henning added seven kills and three blocks to the Warriors' totals.

Setting up the attack was Colin Marks, who orchestrated the offense with 31 assists while also picking up four digs. Defensively, Jacob Knudsen anchored the back row with six digs, while Jan Lopuch chipped in five digs and the team's lone service ace.

The Warriors found their rhythm in the third set, hitting a blistering .464 as a team. After dropping two close opening sets, Jessup refused to go away quietly, trading blows with the Tritons before a late surge secured the 25-22 set victory and forced a fourth frame. UC San Diego eventually reclaimed momentum in the fourth to close out the match, led by Josh Ewert's 17 kills and Leo Pravednikov's 15.

The Warriors (0-1) will now prepare for a cross-country road trip to the East Coast. Jessup will head to Newark, New Jersey, for a two-match series against NJIT starting Friday, Jan. 16, followed by a visit to Sacred Heart University on Jan. 19.