Lady Rustlers 0-3 at Casper Pizza Hut Invitational

The Rustlers played in the Pizza Hut Invitational in Casper over the weekend, going 0-3. Central lost to Snow College 52-57, lost to Northeastern Junior College 57-64, and lost to Casper College 59-64. 

Snow College fought CWC all the way to the final buzzer. Central led the entire game up until a few minutes into the fourth, then Snow College took control of the game. In the second half Sydney Pillings and Shawnee Simpson from Snow College hit big shots against Central.

After the game Head Coach Lindsey Fearing said, "For the most part, I am really happy with our performance. We have been pushing for our team to execute our game plan for three quarters, and we did." The Rustlers scored 18 to the Badgers 16 in the first quarter, 11 to their 13, 17 to their 8, then got out scored by 14 in the fourth. "We had so many mistakes in that last quarter that weren't forced. Then we have consecutive empty posessions and give up two three's late to Shawnee Simpson, that just killed us… unfortunately that was the game."  Essy Latu had 27 points shooting 55% 3PPG and Alexis Murguia had 11 points. 

On day two, the Rustlers played NJC and it was not a great performance. "We couldnt get things going offensively and defensively," said Coach Fearing. Essy Latu had 18 points, Alexis Murguia had 11 points and Lani Taliauli had 20 points. 

The third game was by far the best performance the Rustlers gave on the weekend. Casper College kept the lead the entire game, but the Rustlers never quit making attempts to cut the lead to under 5 points. Caspers sophomore posts' Marija Bakie and Mya Jones were too much for Central to handle. Bakie and Jones finished with 14 a piece, Jones going 8-17 from the freethrow line. 

"Our posts did battle with Bakie and Jones for the game, we just couldn't handle their physicality this night. One of our weaknesses as a team right now is our ability to rebound… we were right with Casper in the offensive and defensive rebound count, so I am happy about our efforts to improve that," said Coach Fearing.  Central will face Casper two more times for region play. 

Essy Latu finished with an impressive stat line of 25 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Kailiana Ramos trailed with 11 points, 6 rebounds. Siona Astorga contributed 8 points, connecting with two huge shots for the Rustlers.

Up Next:  Central will play at Colorado Northwestern on November 25 at 5pm.