ROCKLIN, Calif. – The Northwest Christian University women's basketball team split their games at the William Jessup Warrior Classic for the second consecutive year. On Friday night, they fell to the hosts 64-56 but rebounded nicely the following afternoon, knocking off NAIA D.I Fresno Pacific 58-46 behind a terrific second half performance to earn their signature win of the young season.

Against William Jessup, the Beacons were plagued by 20 turnovers and an off-shooting night from distance. NCU made just 3-of-19 three point attempts and were outrebounded 38-32. “We just had too many unforced turnovers tonight,” said head coach Liz Turner-Bolton. “We didn't rebound well and just couldn't find much momentum against their pressure. Our unforced turnovers are killing us right now, but that will go away as our younger players gain more experience.”

Lori Renner led the Beacons in defeat, scoring 12 points. Aly Bruns and Katey Monteith each added nine points, and Randi Keyser had a strong showing off the bench, scoring eight points to go with five rebounds and shooting 4-of-5 from the floor.

William Jessup was led by Cassie Davidson's 15 points, followed by Jennifer McNamara and Ashley Rose, who each finished with 10 points. The Warriors finished with 14 assists as a team, compared to just seven for NCU.

The Beacons (4-2) bounced back in a big way the following afternoon in their matchup with the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds. After losing by 21 points to the same team last year, a team that retured all five starters, the Beacons gained a boost of confidence after an excellent defensive first half led by four steals from Calie McVicker. The two teams went to the locker room with the game tied at 24-24.

After playing zone defense in the first half that seemed to be effective, the coaching staff took a gamble and decided to play man against the Sunbirds. It was a tough decision, but ultimately paid off as the Beacons outscored Fresno Pacific 34-22 in the second half and concluded their tournament showing with a 58-46 victory. “This is probably the best non-conference win we've ever had. We played with another level of intensity today,” Bolton said. “Our pressure and the trapping in the second half worked well for us and we did a great job getting in the passing lanes and fronting the post. We gambled a lot, and it could have backfired, but it ended up paying off. It was really a huge win for us.”

Renner and McVicker led NCU with 13 points each. The two combined for eleven rebounds. Renner shot 5-for-6 from the floor and was named to the all-tournament team. Bruns added eight points, and senior Kelsey Bolander was a defensive spark off the bench and finished with six points in just 14 minutes. NCU got back on track from the 3-point line, knocking down 6-of-11 as a team (55%). The Beacons forced Fresno Pacific into 18 turnovers and out-rebounded the Sunbirds 27-24.

Jessica Torrecillas led Fresno Pacific with 14 points and three steals, and Keri Stephanoff scored 12 points.

The Beacons return home this Saturday to take on Simpson University for their second meeting of the season. NCU grinded out a hard fought 81-76 overtime victory against the Redhawks last week behind a career-high 33 points from Renner. Tip-off for the game is scheduled for 5:30 pm.