ANGWIN, Calif. - Jessup women's basketball tipped off the season hitting the road toward the coast taking on Pacific Union College in the season opener. With a slight edge over the Pioneers at the half, the Warriors sparked in the second half for the 84-54 advantage in their first win of the season.

Head coach Kurt Westendorp commented after the game, "It was a great way to start the year with a road win!  I was pleased the way we improved defensively in the second half to put the game away."

It was a quick start for the Warriors as they came out with back-to-back baskets but the home court Pioneers would take as much as a seven-point lead midway through the first quarter. The Warriors would spark a late comeback for the one-basket advantage after the first quarter, 18-16.

The Warriors would hold the advantage through the second half sparking an 8-point lead to start things off. The Pioneers would continue to battle back and forth, but a 10-point lead would hit the scoreboard with 35 seconds remaining sunk by Liz Gehweiler.

Gehweiler led the Warriors through the first half with 12 of her total 16 points in her opening night as a Warrior. 

The Warriors would find their groove in the second half with a third-quarter 20 to 7 point advantage over the Pioneers and would continue that scoring surge in the fourth quarter outscoring Pacific Union 22-to-12. Winning the second half 42-19 resulting in the final 85-54 win.

Gehweiler led offensively with 16 points, 4 steals and three assists. Teammates Lily Hagerty (14), JoeLyn Stirton (13) and Creonah Bryant (12) also put up double digits in the Warriors opening night. A strong team effort was displayed on the boards as they outrebounded Pacific Union 38-25 and forced 32 turnovers.   

"Forcing 32 turnovers and winning the rebounding battle was key for us tonight to overcome a cold shooting night from the outside," Westendorp commented. "But I was very pleased with the contributions up and down the line-up tonight."

The Warriors will return home and welcome Corban University next week in their home opener of the season Monday night at 7 pm in Warrior Arena, before hosting the annual Bill Holtz Classic on Friday and Saturday. 

"It will be a quick turnaround to get ready for a tough week of opponents next week," Westendorp concluded. "We will be challenged by three very good teams from Oregon.  It will be a great measuring stick to see where we are at early in the season."
  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).