ROCKLIN, Calif. - The Warriors are heading back to the NAIA National Tournament for the second time in program history. Following San Diego Christian's 71-62 victory over The Master's University, Jessup has officially clinched the GSAC East Division.
 
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the GSAC split the conference into two divisions for the 2020-21 season. The decision was made to award the GSAC's two automatic bids to nationals to the two division winners rather than holding a GSAC Tournament.
 
In a normal year, the two automatic bids are awarded to the regular season and conference tournament champions.
 
Members of Jessup's division include Arizona Christian, Life Pacific, Ottawa (AZ), San Diego Christian, and The Master's.
 
The clinching of a conference title comes a week after the conclusion of Jessup's regular season, as the Warriors closed out their schedule of games with a win at San Diego Christian last Saturday. The win gave Jessup a 6-2 record in conference play. 
 
Tied with Jessup in the loss column entering this weekend was The Master's, who still had two games to play on their schedule. With both schools sitting at two losses in the GSAC, all Jessup needed to clinch a conference title was one loss by TMU this weekend. 
 
Friday's outcome makes official the first GSAC Championship for the Jessup Women's Basketball program. It also sends Jessup to Nationals for the second time (previous 2018-19).
 
Under first-year Head Coach Hernando Planells, Jessup concluded the regular season with an overall record of 10-8. The schedule included games against NCAA schools Nevada, California Baptist, Southern Utah, Utah Valley, and San Francisco.
 
It is unknown who, where, and when the Warriors will play next. Unlike previous years, the opening round of the 2021 NAIA National Tournament will be played at host sites. The opening round will take place March 12-13.
 
The 2021 NAIA National Championship Game will be played in Sioux City, Iowa, on March 23. Games in Sioux City will begin with the Round of 16 on March 18.
 
As more information on the 2021 bracket reveal becomes available, jessupathletics.com will be providing complete details. 
   
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).