ATHERTON, California. - After leading almost every second through the first three quarters of play, the William Jessup Warriors were unable to secure their second conference victory after blowing a fourth quarter lead to lose on the road 73-64 against Menlo.
 
It was all Jessup from the opening tip through the end of the first quarter. Anisah Smith, playing against her former school for the first time, and Ashlyn Jones ignited the Warrior offense on a 10-4 run to start the ballgame.
 
Janelle Luu continued the offensive burst, scoring in the paint for two, splitting a pair of free throws, and picking up two more on the ensuing possession to give Jessup the 17-8 lead at the end of the first quarter.
 
The second period was much of the same for the Lady Warriors, feeling confident both on offense and defense. Jones continued her hot shooting, scoring six points within the first two minutes. After escalating their lead to as much as 12, the Oaks began to wiggle their way back into the thick of things.
 
In the final eight minutes of the half, the Oaks scored 20 points by getting in transition and finding open space for jump shots. While the Jessup offense held their own, the defense was unable to make a stop in that second period, heading into halftime with a 36-33 lead.
 
Fortunately for the Warriors, the second half began similar to their first half. The tandem of Smith and Jones were simply too much to handle for the Menlo defense. Smith would go on to score seven points in the third period for the Warriors, while the team extended their lead to six as they entered the final quarter.
 
After taking a 4-2 lead back early in the first quarter, Jessup led through the third period and much into the fourth. However, the Oaks saved their best for last.
 
Along with a scoring drought, the Jessup defense was unable to contain Menlo's half-court offense. The Oaks began the quarter on a 19-8 run. The Lady Warriors would watch their lead slowly trickle away and eventually disappear midway through the final period.
 
A combination of missed point blank layups and an inability to make defensive stops against a high-powered Menlo offense was too much to overcome for Jessup. Menlo would go on to score 29 points in the final quarter, as the Warriors were handed their fourth conference loss of the season.
 
Jones led the way for the Warriors with 22 points and six rebounds. Smith tallied 17 in her return to to the Bay Area, while Lily Hagerty pitched in 14 points and four rebounds.
 
The Lady Warriors will begin yet another long road trip next week with their next contest coming against Arizona Christian on Thursday at 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).