Warriors Drop Holy Names and Prepares For Playoffs
Nov. 7, 2009
Rocklin, Calif. - After two straight 3 win seasons, the William Jessup University Volleyball team was looking to make a statement for respect in their final home game of the season. Picked in the preseason poll to finish sixth in the Cal Pac, the Warriors found themselves in a battle for second place in the conference. On a special night to honor the seniors, the Warriors played inspired ball to down Holy Names University in a thrilling five game match 12-25, 25-20, 25-11, 19-25 and 15-12.
After an emotional ceremony to honor the WJU seniors, the Hawks jumped on top of the Warriors early in game one. The Hawks came out dominating the net with 14 kills to Jessup 6 to take game one easily.
However, the Warriors changed the momentum in the second game. Jessup took an early lead and were able to hold on for the five point victory in game 2. Sophomore Jennifer McNamara took over the match in game three. The Warriors dominated game three to take a 2-1 lead.
The Hawks bounced back to take a crucial game four from the Warriors, which helped the Hawks clinch the second seed in the Cal Pac tournament by forcing the match to go to a fifth game.
The Warriors jumped out to an early advantage in game five. The Hawks would close the gap to 12-10, but the Warriors pulled away for the game five win.
McNamara led Jessup with 14 kills, 17 digs, 5 aces and 3 blocked shots. Junior Morgan Saunders had 35 assist, while senior Carissa Jacomini finished with 26 digs.
Jessup finished the regular season by going 15-7 overall and 9-3 in conference, while Holy Names dropped to 11-15 overall and 9-3 in conference. Both teams split their matches against each other; however the Hawks won the first match in four games compared to the Warriors winning the match in 5 games. Therefore, the Hawks were awarded the second seed in the tournament.
The third-seeded Warriors will open up the single elimination California Pacific Conference volleyball tournament against the fourth seed from Simpson University at 7:00 pm at the Warrior Dome on Wednesday night. If the win, they will play the winner of the Holy Names-Pacific Union match up on Thursday night. The Championship game will be on Saturday against the #1 seed Menlo College Oaks.
