DILLON, Mont. – A two-night Montana road trip came to an end Saturday night. Hoping to stake their claim in Big Sky Country, the Warriors battled back late but ultimately came out on the losing end against the nation's No. 21 ranked Montana Western Bulldogs.
 
Jessup struggled to find the basket early, as a 26-percent showing from the field in the first quarter had them trailing 20-18. Five different Bulldogs scored in the first period, as they connected on 43-percent from the field to start.
 
The second quarter saw the Warriors play a more equal ballgame, as the Bulldogs could only increase their lead by an additional two points. Starting to find her game in the second was Monica Valenzuela, who dropped six points in the quarter.
 
Montana Western entered the half leading 41-31.
 
Jessup's defense began to lock down into the third quarter, forcing the Bulldogs to commit five turnovers in the period.
 
Finding her groove in the third was guard JoeLyn Stirton. Coming off her best game of the season a night ago, Stirton drained two third-quarter threes to push the Jessup offense. At the end of three, Montana Western led 58-47.
 
The Warriors came out firing to start the fourth, trimming the Bulldog lead to as little as six midway through the quarter. However, a comeback would not be in the cards, as Montana Western ended the night on a 12-3 run to win the game 71-56.
 
Stirton ended the night leading her team with 16 points on 4-of-9 from deep. Kayla Vieira made her first collegiate start Saturday night, and she produced 12 points. Valenzuela also closed in double figures with ten.
 
Montana Western was led by 16 points from Brynley Fitzgerald. The Bulldogs won the rebound battle 47-23.
 
Saturday is game three of a four-game road trip. The Warriors will be back on the court Thursday night when they visit the University of the Pacific in Stockton.
   
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).