ROCKLIN– The Warriors were back on the home floor after a two-game gauntlet on the road against two top ten teams. It was a winning effort for Jessup in Rocklin, as a dominant second half lifted the Warriors to a 65-47 victory.

The Warriors entered the game banged up and on a two-game skid but improved to 4-4 in conference play with the win. Due to the various injuries, the Warriors needed key contributions from five freshmen in the contest.

"I mean, you know, we've had to reset our lineups for various different reasons. So it's one of those deals where I think, you know, young kids got an opportunity to kind of get their feet underneath them, and I thought they just got more confident," said head coach Corey Laster

The youth showed in the first half for Jessup, who fell behind in the second quarter after shooting 4 for 14 from the field and 1 for 6 from the free-throw line. The Warriors led by as many as seven in the second, but a 16-7 run by OUAZ gave the Spirit a 27-25 lead entering the half.

"We were overextending a lot in the first half, and we were not talking or communicating. We kept getting beat on flex cuts, little things that I think we haven't gotten beat on a regular basis. I thought they did a good job talking the second half and shy getting back in there, "added Laster.

The Warriors stormed out of the gate to start the third quarter, forcing six turnovers and converting on the other end of the floor. Cheyenne Jankulovski sparked the team after sitting in the first half, adding four points and three assists in the quarter. Jacklyn Kulow and JoLyn Stirton combined for 18 points on a crucial 12-2 run that covered the last five minutes of the third.

"I thought they did a good job talking and communicating in the second half, and Jankulovski getting back in there gave us a good lift. Juliette Caughey talking helped as well. So I think our ability to communicate makes a difference as well," said Laster.

Jessup started the fourth just as hot, opening the final frame with a 14-0 run. The Warrior defense shut down OUAZ in the final frame, holding the Spirit to just 3 for 16 shooting.

Stirton and Kayla Vieira led the Warriors with 12 points each, while Kulow and Mikaila Glynn each added eight. Maila Lepolo led the way with six assists. OUAZ narrowly out-rebounded the Warriors 37-34.

The Warriors have a quick turnaround, as they are scheduled to host Arizona Christian on Saturday afternoon with hopes of taking their second straight GSAC contest.

"Obviously, we've got to get wins wherever we can, especially in conference play, and protect home court. We got a tough Arizona Christian team coming in here Saturday, so we got a quick turnaround, try to get ready, and we have to play even better than what we did today," added Laster.
   
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).