EL CAJON, Calif. - Two days ago the Jessup women's basketball team finished a four-game stretch against top-25 teams, and on Saturday against San Diego Christian, the Warriors showed what they learned after playing such tough opponents winning 81-56.
The Warriors (11-7, 4-3) used an 18-8 second quarter to earn their first road win of 2020.
Coach Kurt Westendorp said Thursday night that he expected his team to respond well and that's exactly what they did. "It was good to see us respond after a tough loss Thursday night with a dominant performance. We shared the ball well, especially early in the game to get really high percentage looks."
In the first quarter, Jessup jumped out to an eight-point lead at 13-5 but the Hawks quickly responded with a 5-0 run by the 3:51 mark. Then in the final three minutes of play, the Warriors went on a 7-0 run to grab a 22-12 lead by the end of the period.
The second quarter proved to be the difference in the game as Jessup came out on fire offensively putting together a 13-0 run to put them up 35-12 with 4:04 left in the half. While the Warriors offensive execution was a positive, Westendorp said his team's defense was the key.
"Defensively we were focused on being in great position to contest shots and not foul. We forced a lot of low percentage shots and rebounded really well."
During the run, the Warriors used a balanced attack as Creonah Bryant, Miranda Zaragoza and Liz Gehweiler each scored. By halftime, the Warriors had allowed just three made field goals and Jessup led 40-20.
In the third quarter, Gehweiler continued her offensive rhythm as she scored seven points, added three assists, and had two rebounds in the period helping keep the Warriors in control. By the 1:44 mark of the third Jessup had grabbed a 30-point lead and ended the quarter up 63-34.
In the final 10 minutes, SDC wasn't able to mount much of a comeback as Jessup ended up winning by 25.
For the game, Gehweiler led all scorers with 22 points while dishing out seven assists and grabbing seven rebounds. Westendorp said he's seen a difference in the senior point guard who has found her stride of late.
"Liz is settling into a great groove right now, she's playing with the most confidence I've seen in her time at Jessup. Her ability to get to the paint causes so many problems for defenses."
Zaragoza also had a solid game adding 16 points and nine rebounds, while Bryant had 13 points and four rebounds. Elizabeth Roark had a career day as she scored 12 points to round out the Warriors double-figure scorers.
Jessup will look to keep their win-streak going when they return home Thursday to face OUAZ at 5:30 p.m.
***
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).
