ROCKLIN, Calif. — Jessup University men's volleyball (6-14, 0-8 MPSF) pushed Vanguard University (8-11, 4-4 MPSF) to the absolute brink in a grueling five-set marathon for the second consecutive night in Warrior Arena, 3-2 (25-22, 22-25, 25-18, 22-25, 13-15).
In a match that mirrored Friday night's dramatic tilt, Jessup showcased their fighting spirit by coming out of the gates incredibly hot. The Warriors secured the opening set 25-22, hitting a scorching .600 as a unit to set the tone. Vanguard answered back to claim the second set, but Jessup refused to relinquish momentum, storming back in the third frame to win 25-18 and take a commanding 2-1 match lead.
Vanguard managed to force a decisive fifth set after taking a tightly contested fourth frame. In the sprint to 15, the two conference foes traded heavy blows point-for-point. However, Vanguard found just enough breathing room down the stretch to clinch the match 15-13, dealing the Warriors another heartbreakingly close defeat in as many days.
Despite the final score, the Warriors' offense was firing on all cylinders, out-killing the Lions 63-51 and racking up 58 total assists compared to Vanguard's 50.
The offensive charge was led by a two-headed monster at the net. Jan Lopuch and Jonas Müller each hammered home a team-high 16 kills. Lopuch was a force in all phases of the game, adding a team-high three service aces and seven digs. Jacob Knudsen was also heavily involved, tallying 10 kills and a pair of aces to keep the Lions' defense on its heels.
Running the highly efficient Warrior offense was setter Colin Marks, who dished out a massive match-high 47 assists while scooping up six digs. Owen Henning was nearly unstoppable when called upon, chipping in nine kills on a blistering .750 hitting percentage. Defensively, libero Logan Marks anchored the back row with a team-leading eight digs, while Clement Osahon Jr. protected the net with a team-high three blocks to go along with his eight kills.
With the loss, Jessup moves to 6-14 overall. The Warriors will remain at home and look to bounce back when they host Menlo College on Friday, April 3rd. First serve from Warrior Arena is scheduled for 7:00 PM.
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About Jessup University Athletics 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).