Redding, Calif. – The Warrior's women's basketball team (4-0) swept the field at the Simpson Classic tournament this weekend defeating Northwest Christian (2-1) 59-48 and tournament host Simpson University (0-6) 76-69.
On Saturday, the home team of Simpson had a solid grasp of the game's first quarter, ending with a 26-14 lead over the Warriors. Jessup used the second quarter; however, to calmly work themselves back into a close game. Jessup allowed Simpson only one basket in the final five minutes of the first half, making an 11-3 run led by senior Diana Corona (Porterville, CA) who landed six of those points. Jessup was able to talk adjustments at halftime being down only two points, 36-34.
The Redhawks wanted their lead back and came out of halftime on fire, landing an 8-2 run to start half two. Jessup, who often shows calm with teams that launch out of the gate quickly, employed their game plan and, before long, found their first lead of the game off a buzzer beater at the conclusion of the third quarter. The final period was tit-for-tat until the final two minutes and again, the Warrior's surged at the period's end to pull away to a seven-point victory.
Jessup's bench players have played a huge role in the team's early successes and they didn't disappoint on Saturday, producing 39 points for the Warriors. It would be freshman Olivia Luu (Riverbank, CA) who would lead the team offensively with 14 points and 4 assists while senior Crystal Sewell (Ophir, CA) recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, eight of them offensive rebounds.
In Jessup's previous game at Redding the day before, the Warriors faced off with Northwest Christian University; a game which oddly resembled the Warrior win over Simpson.
The game started out as a defensive battle, with Northwest Christian edging out Jessup in the first quarter 7-4. It would be the second quarter when each offense made their adjustments and the game started moving quickly. Northwest Christian had the game's momentum first, finding themselves leading 22-12. Jessup made an effective run before heading to the locker room, closing the gap to 24-18 in the final two minutes of the half.
The second half would be all Jessup as they Warriors methodically chipped away at the Beacons of Northwest Christian Senior Crystall Sewell (Ophir, CA) hit two free throws five minutes into the half to give Jessup their first lead since the opening minutes, 29-28. Sewell would also hit a jump shot to close the third quarter giving Jessup a 38-33 advantage entering the final quarter.
The Warriors would continue their steady play through the fourth until they built an 11 point lead as the game's time expired. Sewell led the Warriors offensively with 18 points while also grabbing nine rebounds on the night. Freshman Olivia Luu (Riverbank, CA) hit five field goals including two from behind the arc to contribute ten points for Jessup.
"We started slow, really slow," said assistant coach Mac Blate. "We had a mismatch with Crystall and we started playing through her and after some time she was able to find some open teammate. We shot free throws really well down the line which helped open the game. The team is establishing a culture of winning and mental toughness, we are taking on a never give up mentality, they know they can't win individually they have embraced relying on each other and keeping a team effort throughout the game."
The Warriors will play their second game of the Simpson Classic taking on the hosting school the Simpson University Red Hawks. The game will tip off at 7:30 p.m. in Redding, California.
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William Jessup University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on William Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: William Jessup University Athletics (Facebook), @JessupAthletics (Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat).
