Caldwell, ID – The William Jessup women's basketball team wrapped up their second game playing in the College of Idaho Shoo-Out losing to the defending national champions, University of Montana Western Bulldogs 68-55. 
 
The Warriors wasted no time off the jump-ball with Liz Gehweiler racing passed the defense for the game's opening two points. Throughout the first quarter, the Warriors were having success getting the ball in the paint and that opened things up for the rest of the offense. JoeLyn Stirton was a beneficiary of the initial scoring in the paint as it allowed for open looks from the three point line. Stirton was able to knock down a trifecta putting her team up 16-9 with around two minutes left in the first quarter. 
 
Entering the second quarter after a fast-paced ten minutes, the Warriors held the lead, 20-16. 
 
Miranda Zaragoza continued to show her powerful presence inside as she blocked a Bulldog layup attempt that ignited a fastbreak opportunity. Just as the play was settling down and the Warriors were setting up their half-court offense, Aycee Willis dribbled inside and spun to her left while finishing with her off-hand to score.
 
Contrary to the first quarter, scoring was much more limited in the second quarter for the Warriors, but they still held the lead at the end of the first half, 32-31. 
 
Liz Gehweiler had a terrific play in the third quarter as she went coast-to-coast for a layup, but the Warriors were trailing 39-43. As the defensive intensity picked up, the scoring continued to be minimalized as the Warriors only scored four more points in the quarter, as they were down 43-53. 
 
Head coach Kurt Westendorp spoke on the crucial third quarter saying, "Montana Western did a great job in the third quarter of playing at a better pace than we did." He added, "That quarter was the difference in the game."
 
The double-digit deficit was too much to overcome in the final frame and the Warriors lost 55-68. 
 
Even though the Warriors went 0-2 in Idaho, coach Westendorp knows playing high-level competition is good for his team. "This trip showed we're not far off where we need to be." Westendorp concluded with, "It was a great two games to play before we step into GSAC play when we return from Thanksgiving."
 
Aycee Willis was the high-scorer for the Warriors putting up a season-high 22 points on 61% shooting and going 6-7 from the free throw line. Miranda Zaragoza has etched her name further in the Jessup record books as she now sits as the No. 10 all-time scorer with 611 career points. 
 
Next up on the schedule for the Warriors is the beginning of conference play as they will travel to Fullerton, taking on the Hope International Royals on December 5^th at 5:30 PM.

  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.edufor more information on William Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: William Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat).