SAN DIEGO, Calif.— The Lady Warriors basketball team headed to Southern California for a pair of games and the road trip started off strong with a win over the San Diego Christian Hawks, 54-40. 
 
After the game head coach Kurt Westendorp said, "Tonight was a gritty win for us. We struggled offensively to get into a rhythm but our defense was a steady force." He added, "We'll need to get things clicking on both ends to get the win on Saturday at Vanguard."
 
Initially, it was a slow start for the Warriors as they gave up the opening seven points of the contest. Despite digging themselves into an early hole, the team hung tough and would score the next six points. The Warriors would begin to take control as they led 16-11 after the first quarter.
 
Senior guard Lily Hagerty would help keep the offense flowing in the second period as she had 6 of her 10 total points in the quarter. Overall the second quarter was the highest scoring one of the game as it favored the Warriors who held a 31-24 lead at the break. 
 
The Warriors opened the third quarter scoring six consecutive points, only to have the Hawks respond with consecutive three-pointers. However, the Warriors remained strong and would close out the quarter on a 9-0 scoring run as they led 48-30 going into the fourth. 
 
During the final quarter, the Warriors hit a few speed bumps as they only managed to score 6 points, shooting 2-for-9 from the field. Even though it was a tough offensive quarter, the Warriors defense was stout and it pushed them to victory as they beat the Hawks 54-40. 
 
Liz Gehweiler had another phenomenal performance as she led the Warriors in scoring with 16 points and pulled down a season-high 12 rebounds. On the defensive side of the ball, Gehweiler continued her production, coming away with three steals. 
 
After missing some time due to injury, Olivia Luu was able to make her return to the floor. Even though it was in a limited role, Luu was still able to score 5 points, while pulling down 4 rebounds and notching an assist. Coach Westendorp commented on the return of Luu saying, "Having Olivia back on the court was a welcome sight." He went on to add, "She brings so much experience and composure on the floor and we're looking forward to seeing her progress back into more minutes."
 
The win for the Warriors puts their record at 18-8 and 9-6 in the highly talented GSAC, thus ensuring a conference tournament bid. Coach Westendorp was thrilled, saying, "Clinching a spot in the GSAC Tournament is a great accomplishment with the depth this league has." Coach Westendorp recognizes there is more than just the conference tournament this team is after as he finished by saying, "We have some great opportunities ahead of us to build our national tournament resume."
 
The Warriors will have a travel day then will take on Vanguard as they look to sweep the regular season series on Saturday at 12 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.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).