ARCATA – They already have two exhibitions under their belt, but the Jacks will have one last tune-up before the regular season games start this week. Humboldt State hosts National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics William Jessup Tuesday at 7 p.m. in its final exhibition and then travels to San Rafael for a tournament with Dominican and Academy of Art.

"It's a busy eight days for us. We have four games in eight days, so there's no rest for the wicked," said head coach Joddie  Gleason. "We're fired up to have a home game and then its exciting to have real season start"

Head-to-head

Tuesday's game is the first time Humboldt State will face William Jessup. The Jacks hold the edge in the overall series against the Dominican Penguins (8-2) and Academy of Art Urban Knights (2-0). HSU beat the Knights last year in a close 76-73 overtime game and Dominican in regular time 76-52.

Lumberjack Notes

Gleason schedules a challenging exhibition schedule to prepare her team well for competition, including a Div. I matchup against UC Davis, which the Jacks lost Saturday 72-54. Gleason was proud of the effort and fight her team showed against the speedy Aggies. The Jacks are low on numbers, missing five players in the last two games, and may not get their numbers back until later in the season. Kayla Williams and Caitie Richards led the team in points, both getting 12 on the night, while Bree Halsey and Lisa Petty shared the lead in rebounding for the Jacks, both getting nine rebounds. Williams has impressed Gleason with her work ethic and leadership on the team. "She's coming in with a lot of confidence and showing leadership," said Gleason. "She competes every day, whether it's in a drill, scrimmage or game. She's really stepping up and taking charge when our team needs it."

Opponent Notes

William Jessup looks to improve on its record setting season last year, tying a school record with 13 wins and the highest finish in the CALPAC (2nd) with 9-3 record.  The Warriors lost CALPAC MVP Ashley Rose to a redshirt season and junior Nicole Aboumrad (CALPAC second Team) will look to pick up the slack. WJU faced No. 23-ranked Eastern Oregon on Saturday, falling 69-48 to the Mountaineers.

Dominican comes off a staggering 99-43 loss against the University of San Francisco. Kimi Nakamura led Dominican with 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting while sophomore Kayla Valentine added 12 points. Freshman Ariana Flynn was the Penguins' top rebounder with five and Stephanie Carnes had a team-high three assists.

Academy of Art played an exhibition game against Div. I University of the Pacific and fell 92-62, despite making 10 of the Urban Knights' first 13 shots. ART U established an 11-point lead at one point, but slowly saw that lead dwindle. Lorraine Etchell and Alisa Griggs led the Urban Knights with 16 points a piece.

Injury Report

Injuries have plagued the Jacks and season hasn't officially started yet. Jordawn Emmet, Kelly Kime, Elle Anderson and Jeanette Dewitt will be out for the exhibition, but some are expected to be out the entire season.

Gleason Says
"It's another chance for our team to play together and get some of our injuries players on court and get continuity as a group. Our focus is to get us working together and on same page. We've had so many people in and out of practice so it's too soon to focus on our opponent." ... "We're trying to get people healthy. They are things that are out of our control so its frustrating, but we're taking it day by day. We're looking to figure out our best five out on the court and that changes each day. This week will give new people the opportunity to show what they have."