GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Warriors headed to the desert for their first round of Golden State Athletic Conference games by facing Arizona Christian University. Jessup utilized big games from multiple players and red-hot shooting up and down their roster as they won their first GSAC game 83-71.
 
After picking up his first win in conference play as the head coach, Hernando Planells gave kudos to his players who take the court. "I'm just super excited for these ladies. They are the ones who put in all the effort on the floor, and it's a testament to their hard work and dedication to the process.".
 
While the weather was a cool 75 degrees, the Warriors were blazing hot on the floor. Through the first half, Jessup shot 50-percent from the field. Even though Jessup trailed after one quarter, their consistent shooting pushed them in front, 40-35 at the half.
 
Starting off the third quarter, the Warriors hit the ground running as they built a ten-point lead 50-40, forcing a Firestorm timeout. Despite the strong run, it was the Firestorm who brought things within striking distance. Jessup was able to hold the lead, 54-50, entering the final ten minutes.
 
The hot shooting from the Warriors carried into the fourth as they began to pull away from ACU. Freshman Paige Winter converted in the low post, then yanked down a defensive rebound that led to a Katie Campana 3-pointer on the ensuing possession, which put the score at 69-55, advantage Jessup for the remainder of the game.
 
Miranda Zaragoza led the team in scoring with 19 points, and she ended with another double-double with 12 rebounds. JoeLyn Stirton had her top performance this season as she tallied 15 points, pulled down six rebounds, and came away with five steals. Cheyenne Jankulovski also was in double-figures as she recorded a season-best 15 points.
 
With grand contributions from the entire roster in the win, Planells spoke highly of his team, saying, "They understand we are trying to be efficient." He went on to say, "Everyone plays a role whether we win or lose, and today it was a total team effort just like we want it to be."
 
The Warriors' record moves to 4-6 overall and 1-0 in the GSAC, while the Firestorm are now 6-3 overall and 0-1 in conference.
 
In what is an interesting year, the Warriors will matchup up with ACU in less than 24 hours for their second tilt. "It's tough to play in less than twenty-four hours, and we will do what we can to be mentally and physically ready to play to attack tomorrow with all we got." The second matchup is scheduled for 10:00 AM PST.
   
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).