Box Score
Rocklin, CA – Academy of Art University (1-0) opened the 2009-10 season Friday night when they traveled to Rocklin, Ca. to take on William Jessup University (3-4). The Urban Knights were led by Junior Verity Peets who recorded 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in the team's 75-48 win.
Peets who came to AAU from Idaho State University showed her strengths against the Warriors as she shot 7-12 from the floor and 6-7 from the free-throw line. “She stepped into her role and did a phenomenal job proving her ability to herself and to the rest of the team” Coach Lindsey Yamasaki said.
After leading 24-19 at the half, the Urban Knights recorded 51 points in the second half to pull away from the Warriors and finish the game with a field goal percentage of 43.75. AAU dominated on the boards, grabbing 46 rebounds compared to 28 for William Jessup University and notched 34 points in the paint.
The Urban Knights were impressive in their season debut receiving points from nine different players including 19 bench points. Coach Yamasaki was pleased with the outcome, “We feel really good about the game. They challenged us and we overcame that in the second half with contributions from everyone. The win starts the season off on the right foot.”
Another standout in Academy of Art University's win was junior
Jessica Nolan, who joins the Urban Knights after two seasons with Lassen College.
Nolan led the team with 12 rebounds added 13 points, five assists and four steals.
Leading the way for the Warriors was Jennifer McNamara, who recorded 12 points, while Cassie Davidson grabbed six rebounds for William Jessup.
Up next, the Urban Knights will head to St. George, Utah where they will participate in the Dixie State Women's Basketball Thanksgiving Tournament. The Academy of Art University will take on Fort Lewis College November 27th at 3:30 in the Burns Arena.
