The Rustlers are still off to their best start since the 2014-15 season as they finish this weekend with a record of five wins and four losses. First up, the Rustlers square off in Idaho with Treasure Valley Community College where they would struggle to gain offensive momentum outside of freshman guard Natalia Ballin.

 Ballin would put her name to good use as she finished with 22 points on the night with 4 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks, while shooting 10-13 from the floor, and a perfect 2-2 from deep. 

Freshman Katie Walker also contributed 12 points on 5-8 shooting with 6 rebounds, and Emily Sawyer brought down 10 boards of her own. Ultimately, the Rustlers finished with a 67-58 victory. 

 

Next, the Rustlers faced off against national powerhouse, College of Southern Idaho, who currently sits at #8 in the nation in the Top 25 rankings. CSI came out swinging and it took the Rustlers to the half before they were able to gain an effective strategy. Coach Westmoreland stated  "At halftime, my assistant and I were at a loss. We were throwing everything at them we could, and it just wasn't getting the job done. Wasn't a personnel issue, but a strategy issue. So, we decided to play small ball in the second half, put more guards on the floor, and next thing we know, it becomes a game." The Rustlers would ultimately outscore the Golden Eagles 45-31 in the second half, with 28 monstrous points in the 4th quarter before falling 85-68. The Rustlers shot 54% from deep with 12 made 3's behind freshman Espi Vergara who hit 4 from behind the arc to finish the night with 15 points. Ariana Rodriguez also contributed 3 3's to finish with 15 points, as well as Macey Hein with 3's and 15 points. Hein also brought down 7 boards, contributed 3 blocks and shot 50% on the night.