SURPRISE, Ariz. - The Warriors ended their two-game stay in Arizona at OUAZ Saturday afternoon where a first-quarter lead by the home Spirit was quickly reversed as the Warriors dominated the final three quarters to win 75-64, advancing to 14-6, 5-4.

Head coach Kurt Westendorp commented on his team's performance, "I am very pleased with how we responded today.  We've been faced with injury adversity all year and today's response with some new line-ups shows the toughness we have.  We didn't play a complete game, but we competed extremely hard and made winning plays down the stretch."

A strong 5-0 start for the Warriors was quickly answered back by an OUAZ 11-0 run for their lead to remain through the first quarter. The Warriors would fall behind in a double-digit deficit after the opening quarter, 19-9. But the 10-minute warmup was over as their spark was lit in the second quarter with a 6-0 run to start.

Back-to-back action from Anisah Smith would put the Warriors up for the first time since the first half as she hit a fast break three, followed by another from behind the arc just 30 seconds later for the Warriors 28-24 advantage. 

The Warriors would continue their offensive surge through the remaining four minutes to take the 38-30 advantage at the break, a  trio of Warriors on the cusp of double-figures with 9 each; Smith, Miranda Zaragoza and Emilee VanDyke.

Late in the third quarter the Spirit would battle their way back from as much as a 7-point deficit and get within three, but an answer by the Warriors would make it an 11-point game with an 8-point surge, now leading 52-43 with 1:18 remaining.

A late three by the home team would cut the lead, Jessup still remaining in the lead 52-46.

With three minutes down, the Warriors and Spirit were all tied up at 54 but a quick three baskets would put the Warriors back on top through the finish. VanDyke finished the final three minutes with three under the basket to help put the Warriors on top, 75-64 at the finish. 

VanDyke led with a season-high 17 points, one shy of tying her career best in her inaugural season. She also added 9 rebounds. A trio of Warriors followed in double figures with Smith (15), Zaragoza (13) and Cre Bryant (11). 

The Warriors will hit the road again next week taking on Hope International and Life Pacific in southern California.
   
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).