PHOENIX, Arizona. - No matter the night or opponent, playing in the Golden State Athletic Conference means playing some of the top teams in the country every time you hit the hardwood. 

Playing their fifth nationally ranked team in their last six games, the William Jessup women's basketball team were unable to notch their second conference win after suffering a 70-62 loss to Arizona Christian. 

While the No. 24 Firestorm would eventually walk away with the victory, it was the Warriors' Anisah Smith and Emilee VanDyke who had the fire strokes early on. 

Smith got things ignited with a drive and lay-in to start the contest, followed by back-to-back mid-range jumpers to score the first six points of the game. VanDyke used her height advantage in the paint to notch a couple of jumpers in the lane.  

The first quarter would end with Smith and VanDyke combining to score all 12 of the Warriors points. 

Somebody other than the power tandem finally found the stat sheet with 7:33 left in the second period as Olivia Luu would knock down a three-pointer to give the Warriors a 17-15 lead. Smith continued to have her way for the rest of the first half as she carved up the Firestorm defense inside and out. 

Smith would finish with 12 points in the first half, but it was the Firestorm who headed into halftime with the 33-27 lead.

Arizona stormed out of the gate in the second half with a Jada Willingham trey-ball, but Lily Hagerty immediately responded to the challenge with a three of her own and a pair of free throws. The Warriors were able to get the charity strike 10 times in that third period and knocked down eight, but were unable to find a rhythm on offense.

Heading into the final period facing a 52-44 deficit, the Lady Warriors continued to battle with a very good Firestorm team but were unable to do any more than trade baskets. 

Smith continued her hot stroke from beyond the arc and another O. Luu three-ball cut the lead to just five with 4:23 left. However, it was too much Firestorm offense as the Warriors were unable to make enough defensive stops in crunch time.

The final buzzer would sound with the Warriors handed their fifth loss in conference play.

Smith led the Warriors with 16 points and two steals, while Hagerty pitched in 11. VanDyke earned herself a double-double with her 10 points and 12 rebounds.

The Warriors will head back to Southern California to take on San Diego Christian at 1 pm on Saturday.  
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).