ROCKLIN, Calif. – Returning from a week off for the Thanksgiving holiday, the William Jessup Lady Warriors played host to the Pacific Union College Pioneers for the second time this season. Much like the last time these two sides squared off, it was a fast start that established momentum for Jessup as they cruised their way to a 74-38 victory.
The first quarter Tuesday was one of Jessup's best starts to a game thus far in the 2015 season. After connecting on just one basket for the first few minutes, the Warriors eventually kicked things into gear as the shots began falling. In their previous meeting, Jessup impressively outscored the Pioneers 17-4 in the opening frame, but Jessup looked even better than that Tuesday as they ended the first leading 21-2.
Jessup again kept the pressure on the Pioneers in quarter number two, as the Warriors defense forced Pacific Union to commit 10 first half turnovers. Unlike their last time out against Corban, the Warriors were able to cash in on the turnovers with strong transition offense. At the break, Jessup had yielded just 8 points as they led 36-8.
Statistically this season, the third quarter had been where Jessup's offensive outcome begins to letup, but the Warriors saw no third quarter letup at all in Tuesday's victory. Strong ball movement allowed Jessup to find the open player both in the paint as well as outside behind the arch. The Warriors outscored Pacific Union 27-17 in the third to take a 63-25 lead into the fourth.
Unlike they do consistently in the third quarter, Jessup has usually been a very strong finishing team so far throughout the season. However, the fourth quarter Tuesday was something different for Jessup as the Pioneers actually outscored the Warriors. Jessup stopped using the full-court-press style of defense they had displayed all game, allowing Pacific Union to cash in on more transition baskets. The late Pioneer offense was not enough to draw within contention, as Jessup improved to 4-0 at home this season.
The win is Jessup's second in a row after suffering their first two losses of the year two weeks ago in the Midland Empire Classic up in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Overall on the 2015 campaign, the Warriors improve their record to 6-2.
Leading the way for Jessup Tuesday was senior forward Crystal Sewell (Ophir, CA). Sewell recorded a game high 20 points while also racking in 5 rebounds. Senior Diana Corona (Porterville, CA) added double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Warriors. Freshman Lily Hagerty (Roseville, CA) and sophomore Janelle Luu (Riverside, CA) each added 7 points.
For the Pioneers, it was forward Kaelea Alonzo who led the way with 9 points. Guard Alexis Lyers, who missed the first meeting between Jessup and Pacific Union, finished the night with 8 points.
The season continues on Saturday, December 5, when the Warriors travel to Merced to take on the UC Merced Bobcats. Saturday will be the second meeting between the two sides, with Jessup stealing an overtime victory over the Bobcats in the first meeting. Game time Saturday is slated for 6:00 p.m.
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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), @WJUSports (Twitter), and @JessupAthletics (Instagram, and Snapchat).
