RENO, Nev. - The Warriors took the floor for the first time in almost a month, losing a nail-biter in a hard-fought game against the University of Nevada, 66-65. Saturday served as the first of what will be a slew of NCAA D-1 opponents the Warriors will face this season.
 
Jessup started the game fast and never let up as they shot the lights out all game long. Even though they lost, the building blocks are coming together as this team continues to gel as one solid unit.
 
Terrific Start
 
The Warriors started the game off quickly, with Bobbie Purify scoring the opening bucket on their first possession. From there, the lead went on to change five times in the quarter as the Warriors hung tough with Nevada, trailing 16-15 at the end of the first.
 
It was senior Miranda Zaragoza down in the post who dominated early to the tune of nine points on 4-of-5 shooting while pulling down five rebounds in the frame.
 
Hot Shooting
 
Even after the quick start to the game, the Warriors continued to find a rhythm on the floor shooting the ball. Jessup had four different players who shot at least 60 percent from the floor, and overall the team shot 47-percent from the field.
 
All across the floor, the Warriors found success as they were 7-of-16 from distance (43.8-percent). Freshman Victoria Delacroix was a sniper beyond the arc as she drained four of her six attempts and was one of three Warriors in double-figures.
 
It was also an efficient night from the free-throw line as the Warriors made 8-of-11 attempts.
 
Stat Leaders
 
Similar to last year's exhibition contest, Aycee Willis led the Warriors in scoring with 15 points. Willis proved she could post up and score from the mid-range. Willis also converted on her one attempt from three-point range.
 
Joining her in double-figures was Delacroix with 12 and Zaragoza with 10. Zaragoza now has back-to-back double-doubles as she led the team in rebounds, pulling down 11.
 
Thoughts From Coach
 
The game came down to the final seconds on the last possession, and the Warriors nearly pulled the upset. Despite the tough loss, the Warriors played a terrific game from start to finish, and head coach Hernando Planells was pleased with his team.
 
Planells said, "I'm really proud of the effort and execution of our team today." He continued with, "They never stop fighting and they keep believing in each other no matter what!" 
 
What's Next
 
Next up for the Warriors is a trip to Redding on Wednesday to take on an oId CalPac rival in the Simpson University Redhawks. Wednesday's game is scheduled for 4:00 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).