ROCKLIN, Calif. - The William Jessup women's basketball team tipped off the season in front of a great crowd in Warrior Arena Saturday night welcoming the Northwest University Eagles to Horton Court. With an early lead at the half, the Warriors were able to hold on to the finish to record their first win of the season in a 61-48 victory over the Eagles.

In his second season as head coach, Kurt Westendorp was pleased with his team's performance and appreciative for those who came out to support, "It was a great to see our fans come out and celebrate with us the start of the season. I loved the way we competed tonight and had a ton of great energy from the tip."

Coming out strong, the Warriors edged the Eagles after the first quarter 18-15, but it would be the second quarter where they extended their lead going into halftime, outscoring Northwest 25-11 for the 43-26 advantage. 

"In the first half we built a nice lead because we played aggressive, moved the ball well, and got great shots," Westendorp commented. "It was fun to watch us on offense in the first half."

Slow out the gate, both teams struggled to get things started as the third quarter was scoreless for two minutes. Applying the pressure in urgency to make up grounds, the Eagles would lead the scoring column in the third and fourth quarter 11-9 but Jessup was able to hold on after an explosive first half for the 13-point win over the Eagles.

Returning for her senior season, Ashlyn Jones picked up right where she left off with a double-double, leading the Warriors with 14-points and 15 rebounds, setting a career high in boards.

"Today Ashlyn had the mindset to be a dominant rebounder," said Westendorp. "She wasn't just a scorer, she was our leading rebounder, and she had the focus to do those things and that shows growth as a player."

Close behind Jones was returning junior, Lily Hagerty who scored 13 points for the Warriors, accompanied by 5 rebounds and a pair of blocks and steals. Transfer junior, Anisah Smith also scored 13 points for the Warriors while setting the pace of play and energy while on the court.

"Lily is maturing well as an upperclassman. Tonight she stuffed the stat sheet, she had a good overall game, without just scoring the basketball," Westendorp said. "Anisah gives us tons of energy, she is always on go and the team feeds off of it."

The Warriors will return to the University of Pacific for the second year in a row on Nov. 1st for an exhibition game followed by hosting the Bill Holtz Classic the 3rd-4th where they will face tough opponents ranked in the NAIA DII Top-25.

Looking forward Westendorp has challenged his team with a schedule to prepare for conference play, "We have a really tough opening schedule. We are really challenging ourselves early, and I think talent wise we are going to be able to match up. We are paying some really good opponents, so hopefully, it will get us ready for GSAC."
   
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) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat).