GOSHEN, Ind. – Fresh off an opening day loss on Friday, Jessup started bright and early on Saturday, looking to get into the win column against (RV) Saint Francis. Once again, it was a fast start for the Warriors, but second-half woes will send Jessup back to Rocklin empty-handed.
 
Head coach Corey Laster spoke this weekend about how this trip would be a learning experience for his roster, noting, "We still don't really know what to expect with the groups. We're still figuring out rotations. Who's good at what, but these games will really help us a lot."
 
A newcomer claiming her spot in the rotation is guard Andrea Jovicevic. A transfer from the University of Nevada, Jovicevic led Jessup in scoring on Saturday 15 points on 6-of-11 from the floor.
 
Makaila Napoleon (12) and Natalie Moulos (11) also finished in double-figures for the Warriors Saturday morning.
 
Laster spoke about his experienced guards in Jovicevic and Napoleon, adding, "(Andrea), I think for a good part of the game was pretty consistent. Both players just continue to improve on the defensive side of the ball."
 
Jessup trailed 20-18 after one period, but similar to Friday, Jessup found the basket at ease as they posted a 44-percent shooting performance in the opening period.
 
The Warriors came out and scored the first four points of the second quarter, taking a two-point lead on a Kayla Vieira basket. Jessup would battle with the Cougars in this period, ending with the Warriors taking a 30-28 lead into the locker room on Emily Dikdan's field goal.
 
Saint Francis regained the lead and began to climb away in the third, outscoring Jessup 22-13 to take a 50-43 lead into the final quarter.
 
Jessup made every attempt to climb back into the game, getting within six on back-to-back triples from Moulos and Napoleon. But eventually, the Warriors had to foul, and trips to the free throw line became too much of a hill to overcome. A late three from Maliyah Perry got Jessup within four, but with six seconds on the clock, there was not enough time for a comeback.
 
SFU would sink one more free throw to win, 62-57.
 
The Warriors now head home to take on Lincoln University on night one of the Bill Holtz Warrior Classic. The game is scheduled for Thursday, November 3, at 7:30 p.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 & Instagram).