PHOENIX, Ariz. - The Warriors opened up their Arizona stint at No. 24 Arizona Christian on Thursday night in a tight race through the first three quarters, but the home team would outlast the visiting Warriors taking it with a final score of 61-51, Jessup dropping to 4-4 in conference play.

It would take Jessup a couple minutes to warm up as Miranda Zaragoza scored the first points with a pair of free throws three minutes into the game, 5-2. She would go on to score another basket and teammate Emilee VanDyke would have a pair off the glass, as the Firestorm took the 17-8 lead after the first quarter.

Finding their rhythm by the second quarter, Zaragoza would strike again from the charity stripe and JoeLyn Stirton would hit the first three for the Warriors to cut the Firestorm lead to 5.  A quick 6-2 run to end the first half would send the Warrior into the locker room trailing by just 4 points (27-23), outscoring Arizona Christian 15-10 in the second quarter. 

Another strong quarter to start the second half would tip in the Warriors favor, 17-14, taking their first lead of the game at the 4-minute mark holding the 33-31 advantage as Olivia Luu hit one from behind the arc. The lead would extend to five, but a late spark by the Firestorm would give them the one-point advantage headed into the final quarter, 41-40.

In just the first three minutes the score would be tied twice and change leads five times before the home team maintained moment hitting their final basket at the one-minute mark for the 61-51 victory, the Warriors turning the ball over 7 times in the final minutes of regulation.

Offensively leading the Warriors was Luu and Zaragoza with 11 points, while Zaragoza also added a career-high and program best 21 rebounds for a double-double. Also in double figures was VanDyke with 10 points and 6 rebounds.

The Warriors will conclude their Arizona road trip on Saturday taking on new GSAC member, Ottawa University at 11 am PST in Surprise.  
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).