The lady Rustlers got off to a rough start saturday versus the 24th ranked Casper College losing to the Thunderbirds, 80-61.

The Rustlers opened the game with really good defense holding the Thunderbirds to 16 points in the first quarter, but struggled to score making only two field goals in the quarter along with a pair of free throws to put up six points for the quarter. The Rustlers opened the second quarter with a new intensity on the offensive end and put up a season high 25 points in the second quarter to go into the break down four, 35-31.

The first three minutes of the third quarter belonged to the Rustlers who went up 2 on the Thunderbirds. The Thunderbirds answered back with a three pointer to regain the lead and continued to roll the rest of the game.

The Rustlers were lead by Rylee Burmester with 23 points on nine for 15 shooting. Marissa Arnold added in nine, with Paulani Tarawa putting up eight and Megan Krahenbuhl and Alyzae Roberts chipping in seven a piece.

"We had a great first half," said head coach Ken Swartz. "They are so athletic and deep and their depth caught up to us tonight. I am really proud of how our girls played tonight."

The Rustlers Continue Region IX play on the road with back to back games versus Little Big Horn and Miles on Friday and Saturday.

Story by Mika Pinner