The Rustlers women's basketball program concluded their fall semester competition in Nebraska this weekend by splitting their opponents in the win-loss column, bringing their record to 7 wins and 9 losses. In dramatic fashion, the Rustlers take down CCC-Columbus with a game winning buzzer beater by Ariana Rodriguez, 67-65. Esperanza Vergara led with 19 points, Tiffany Tervort led with 14 rebounds, and Natalia Ballin led with 8 assists. In game two, the Rustlers fell to host North Platte as a first half shooting drought put the Rustlers too far behind to catch up. The Rustlers were able to get the game to two points at 58-56 in the 4th quarter before ultimately falling 71-64. 

 

With 2 more competitions before conference play starts up on January 18th, the Rustlers are in a much better seat than this point last season. "Entering the break with two wins last season was tough. We didn't have experience with winning and it really took a toll in conference competition. We are guaranteed nothing in this game, as in life, but I feel we are in a much better position now as we approach conference competition in year two," says Coach Westmoreland. 

 

Balanced scoring and energized freshman have been the name of the game for the Rustlers this fall. 4 Rustlers are averaging 8 or more points per game, being led by Freshman Esperanza Vergara with 11.1. The rebounding game is also much improved as the Rustlers are bringing down 38.4 rebounds per game, led by Freshman Emily Sawyer with 8.8. Freshman Emily Sawyer also sits 5th all-time in CWC history for blocks in a season with 24 through 16 games. 

 

"The missing link for us is our defense. I do think we need to work harder as a unit to slow down our opponents, but this break will give our staff time to go back to the drawing board to see what adjustments we can make as we approach our conference opener," says Coach Westmoreland. 

 

The Rustlers return to action on January 5th at home versus Salt Lake Community College, followed by competition in Scottsbluff, NE versus Western Nebraska CC the next afternoon.