COSTA MESA, Calif. -  The Lady Warriors closed their two-game road series at nationally ranked Vanguard University, debuting a battle just like the last time they met in Warrior territory. With less than a minute to play the Warriors came within two-possessions of the Lions, but were unable to overcome the free-throws down the stretch, falling to the Lions 58-50.

"I'm extremely proud of the competitive toughness our team showed tonight," head coach Kurt Westendorp said.  "I thought we made Vanguard work for every point they scored."

Midway through the first quarter the Warriors and Lions continued to exchange baskets knotted at 7 each. With four minutes left Vanguard went on a 10-0 run to close the quarter ahead 19-8.

The Warriors answered back cutting the lead in half with a 5-0 run to kick-off the second quarter sparked by Sara Vasquez with a three from downtown. Unable to take the lead, the Warriors continued to play catch-up getting within one basket of the Lions with a little less than 4-minutes left in the half.

Ashlyn Jones closed the quarter with a jumper bringing the Warriors within two baskets at the break, Vanguard ahead 26-22.

With a strong presence out the gate the Warriors took the lead with a 7-0 run, accompanied again by a drained three-pointer by Vasquez for the 29-26 lead.

"Sara Vasquez really stepped up for us this entire weekend and provided a big scoring punch when we needed it," Westendorp stated.

Vasquez had back-to-back double digit games for the Warriors this week, tonight leading again with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists.

The Vanguard Lions would regain the lead late in the third quarter with the 38-34 advantage going into the final 10 minutes of action.

Olivia Luu hit a three with less than a minutes left in regulation, Warriors down just 5 points, but the fouling game worked in the Lions favor as they sealed the win 58-50.

"This was a very positive trip for our team as we're growing closer while learning to battle through injuries and illness," concluded Westendorp.  "I'm looking forward to see what we can do down the stretch!"

The Warriors come back home for a two-game series starting Thursday in their Play4Kay (Pink Night) at 5:30pm followed by Homecoming night on Saturday at the same time, 5:30pm. 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).