In another five-set thriller, the OUAZ Spirit unfortunately drop a 3-2 match to Jessup University in Rocklin, California in the Golden State Athletic Conference opener for both teams.
 
It is the fifth five-set match of the season, OUAZ (7-3, 0-1 GSAC) saw it's seven match winning streak ended.  For the match, the team hit a very respectable .230, compared to Jessup's (5-2, 1-0 GSAC) .122.  Both sides were nearly even in kills with Jessup having a small advantage of 53-42.  However, Brittnie Henige and Jessica Pearce each had six blocks to lead the Spirit defense.
 
OUAZ started the match out on a 4-0 run.  Jessup would fight right back and go on a 5-1 run that included three service aces by the Warriors.  This would be a key in the match as the Warriors would end up with 22 service aces on the night.  The two teams would trade 3-0 runs to make the score 8-all.  The Orange and Red would jump up on a 6-1 run to take a 14-9 lead.  Jessup would go on a 6-1 run to take a 19-18 lead in the later portions of the set.  OUAZ would force over points as they tied it at 24-all on a Rylie Henige and Grace Morby tandem block.  A kill and ace by Jessup took the set 26-24.
 
The front half of the second set was a back and forth adventure with neither team having more than a two-point lead it was 13-12 OUAZ.  Jessup went on a 4-0 run to take the lead in the set at 16-13.  Eventually, the largest lead of the set was Jessup 21-17.  OUAZ would fight back and get a pair of points to close to within 21-19.  Jessup would take a 22-19 lead, but that would be it for the Jessup offense in the set.  The Spirit would go on a six point run that included three attack errors by the same Warrior, to take the set 25-22 and tie the match up at one set each.
 
The third set would be almost an exact match of set one, with Jessup taking it in over points 26-24.
 
However, the fourth set was all Spirit.
 
With the set tied at 7-all, the Spirit would go on a very impressive 18-6 run.  This included a 5-0 and 6-0 runs.
 
Jessup opened the fifth set with a 4-0 lead.  OUAZ turned the tables and ran off a 5-0 run to take a 5-4 lead.  A trading of points ensued with OUAZ taking a 8-6 lead.  Jessup rattled off eight straight points, with half of the points coming on aces.
 
The team will be back in action tomorrow, Saturday, September 9 when they play at Menlo College.  First serve against the Oaks will be at 1:00 p.m.
 
OUAZ returns to Faith Arena next weekend when The Master's University and Life Pacific come calling.  Tickets are available through the Hometown Tickets App or by clicking here.