ROCKLIN, Calif. - The Jessup women's basketball team took the floor for senior night against the San Diego Christian Hawks, and they handled business, picking up a 52-41 win putting their record at 9-8 and 5-2 in the Golden State Athletic Conference.
 
"What a great night for the seniors," said first-year Head Coach Hernando Planells postgame. "The team came together and put a tremendous effort!
 
"I love our senior group, their leadership, heart and commitment to the team is apparent every day!"
 
The Warriors opened the first quarter red-hot as they quickly raced out to a 9-2 advantage after a Bobbie Purify Layup. From there, Jessup kept on the gas pedal as they held their largest lead at eleven points by the end of the quarter, 23-12.
 
The second quarter was a much different story. It was evenly matched for the bulk of the quarter until the Hawks started to find a rhythm on offense. The Hawks' Keren Hogue converted on a layup, which was followed by two buckets from Sammi LeMay-Zambrano, including a buzzer-beating three-pointer. 
 
Despite the brief change in momentum, the Warriors still held the lead at the half, 31-25.
 
It was another back and forth battle in the third quarter. Miranda Zaragoza was the steady presence in the frame as she posted four points and pulled down six rebounds. Entering the fourth quarter, the Warriors held a slim lead, 41-37.
 
In the final ten minutes, the Warriors turned the defensive pressure up another notch as they held the Hawks with no made field goals to close out the game on a strong note. On the offensive end, Katie Campana scored five of her nine points in the fourth.
 
"Our growth defensively over the last few games has been impressive," added Planells. "he team has been creating a defensive identity and it's showing."
 
Bobbie Purify led the team in scoring on the night with 12 points on four of five shooting while also coming away with four steals. Fellow senior Zaragoza scored eight points and also was a force on the boards, pulling down a season-high 20 rebounds.
 
The Warriors will again play the Hawks on Saturday, with that being played on the road in San Diego. The tip is slated for 10:30 a.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 and Instagram).