ROCKLIN, Calif. – The Jessup Women's Basketball team was back at home Saturday looking for its third consecutive win in the final stretch of GSAC play. The Warriors (12-12, 7-5 GSAC) hosted the (RV) Vanguard Lions (8-8, 4-7 GSAC) in hopes of avenging a 9 point loss in November.

It was a complete 40-minute effort, but Jessup held on in a winning effort over Vanguard 68-64. The win was just the second-ever against Vanguard in program history.

"I'm proud of the effort. We had contributions from a lot of different people. I thought our freshmen just continue to get better. We played them a lot early, so they were seeing some fruit of their labor," said head coach Corey Laster. "Vanguard's a good team. Anytime you get a win against a team like that, it's always good momentum."

The Lions drew first blood with two straight three-pointers to get out to an early 6-0 lead. Maila Lepolo struck first for the Warriors with a three-pointer of her own. JoeLyn Stirton had a strong first quarter defensively with two steals that led to four points on the other end. 

Both teams' offenses were clicking in the first, as they went a combined 16 of 27 shooting and were tied at 20-20 after one.

Kayla Viera provided the scoring in the second quarter with 10 points on 4 of 6 shooting for the Warriors. Natalie Moulos contributed five points in the second, including a buzzer-beating three to avoid a shot clock violation late in the quarter. Defensively, Jessup was able to slow down Vanguard's shooting and held the Lions to five field goals in the second quarter. Jessup led at the half 40-34.

"We play Kayla inside, and I know she wants to be on the perimeter, and you can see some of her perimeter skills. I think that's the direction obviously for the future with her. She's a really good shooter with great instincts," said Laster. "I got on really early in the game when she gave up a defensive easy score, and I just liked the way she responded today. So it seemed to motivate her a bit."

Cheyenne Jankulovski provided a spark for Jessup coming out of the half, scoring six in the third while dishing out two assists as well. The Warrior continued its strong performance from the second quarter, holding Vanguard to three field goals in the third and scoreless from three.

Vanguard kept things close in the fourth, as it matched every Jessup basket with one of its own. Gabriella Rosas got inside well in the fourth, scoring eight for the Lions. Jessup spread out the attack in the final frame, with six players getting into the scoring column. The Warriors made several key stops down the stretch.

Jessup had four players in double figures, with Viera leading the scoring with 14. Jankulovski had 13, while Stirton and Moulos had 11 and 10, respectively. Juliette Caughey didn't get into the scoring column but got things done behind the scenes with six rebounds. Stirton grabbed four rebounds to pair with her four assists and three steals.

The Warriors will have a week off before welcoming Menlo (12-9, 7-6 GSAC) to Warrior Arena for a crucial conference game. Jessup is currently in fourth in the GSAC, with just five games remaining until the conference tournament.

"Menlo is always a rivalry, and they're just a tough, scrappy team," said Laster. "So I think it's gonna be a tough game, a difficult game for us, but we'll be ready."  
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).