The Rustlers did not start conference play favorably as they dropped two on the road with lackluster defensive efforts. Even though they opened their conference season with defending Region IX Champions and the Region IX Runner-Up, Coach West believes that the Rustlers have more to offer. "If you have watched us before, we can be an exciting and electrifying team offensively. However, we are choosing right now to not lock in for forty-minutes defensively. The teams we are facing right now are too good for that mindset. If this group can continue to grow together and understand what they need to be successful, we have the opportunity moving forward. I told them after the game, everything they do is a choice. Those who are successful make the right ones more often than others do. I believe they understand what this means and will grow moving forward."

Thursday night the Rustlers faced off with defending Region IX Champion Casper College as they came off of their National Tournament appearance in 2023. The Rustlers never got out of the gate as they fell behind 37-11 in the opening quarter. Ultimately, the orange and black fell 115-48. Leading the Rustlers was Emily Sawyer with her 5th double-double of the season on 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Ariana Rodriguez with 13 points. 

 

Saturday the Rustlers competed with Region IX Runner-Up at Rock Springs in Western Wyoming, putting together a better matchup versus the Mustangs but again the Rustlers fell 93-71 to start conference 0-2. The orange and black were led in double figures by 5 of their current 9 roster members with Emily Sawyer picking up where she left off with 16 points and 17 rebounds for her 6th double-double of the season. Coming back from injury was Latai Charles with 13 points, with Esperanza Vergara bringing 13 points of her own. Natalia Ballin and Katie Walker scored 10 points a piece. 

 

Central Wyoming will have a few days to prepare for a homestand this coming Friday versus Eastern Wyoming College at 5:30pm, and on Saturday versus Laramie County Community College at 2pm before heading back on the road. Wear your orange and black and come pack the gym!