ROCKLIN, Calif. - The Warriors were back on their home floor Friday as they welcomed Ottawa University to town as Golden State Athletic Conference play resumed. After a high scoring first quarter from both teams, Jessup kept their pedal to the metal and pulled away, winning 78-56. 
 
After the win, head coach Hernando Planells spoke to the Warriors getting their second GSAC win, saying, "It felt great. We were able to get everyone playing time, and not only that, but they were all able to contribute to the success that we had tonight." 
 
This GSAC tilt started with each team shooting the ball well and playing effective offense as the Warriors held a six-point advantage after the first ten minutes. From there, the second quarter was off to a fast start, courtesy of stellar play from the Warriors' bench.
 
Freshman Akilah Watson had 8 points at the half and was perfect from the field while also coming away with two steals. In the waning moments of the half, Watson got her second steal and dished it off to Miranda Zaragoza for a momentous bucket. Jessup held the lead 45-26 at the break.
 
Planells was elated from the play of Watson, saying, "She's been working hard all year long just like all of them. But she was really able to take advantage of her minutes on the court helping out on both ends of the floor."
 
From a defensive perspective, the Warriors did a terrific job of limiting the Spirit in the second and third quarters after 18 points in the first. In the second and third quarters, the Warriors held OUAZ to ten points or less in each frame. 
 
The defensive prowess paired with a strong offensive outing from the Warriors catapulted them to the win. Miranda Zaragoza led Jessup in the scoring department as she posted a double-double with 14 points and ten rebounds. Also in double-figures was the freshman duo of Watson and Paige Winter as they had 13 and 10, respectively. 
 
It'll be a quick turnaround as these teams will face off in less than twenty-four hours for their second of two matchups, with tipoff scheduled for 11:00 AM on Saturday. 
   
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 and Instagram).