The Lady Rustlers swept the Utah Elite Friday and Saturday after having a rough start to both games.

Three players scored in double figures for the Rustlers Friday night. Paulani Tarawa lead the way with a double-double netting 26 points and pulled down 10 boards. Rylee Burmester added in 16 points on five for 10 from the field and perfect from the line. Alyzae Roberts rounded out the double figure scoring with 11 points and eight rebounds, six of which were on the offensive end.

"It was two different halves we didn't rebound or attack like we wanted to in the first half," said head coach Ken Swartz.  "In the second half we did a good job of containing the players on their team who could score. Paulani and Rylee were great, they kind of carried us for a while there  shooting 13-25 from the field for the game. Zae (Roberts)  had a great second half which was good to see after a mediocre first half."

Saturday afternoon the Rustlers were lead by Rylee Burmester with 23 points on 8 for 12 shooting and was one rebound shy of a double-double with nine. Paulani Tarawa added in another 16 points. From the bench Amanda Mitchell had nine points and six rebounds in 12 minutes, while Brayle Crosman pulled down 12 rebounds and chipped in six points.

The Rustlers shot 41 percent from the field and 23 percent from beyond the arc. The Rustlers shot an  impressive season high  93 percent from the line, missing only one of their 14 attempts.

"I thought defensively and offensively we played exceptionally well," said head coach Ken Swartz. "We just need to work out our shooting, because we are getting open we just need to knock down shots."

The Rustlers continue their season on the road at Eastern Wyoming Monday Nov. 20.

Story by Mika Pinner

Photo by Laura Phagan