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Box Score 2 Denver, Colo.: The Ranger's defense played a large part in the Regis Field House tonight in the women's basketball 78-72 win over the Western New Mexico Mustangs. As this was the first RMAC Conference contest for the women in the 2011-12 season, the women came out strong, intent on increasing their record to 3-4 overall and 1-0 in the RMAC.
Four Ranger women reached double figure points and the team out-rebounded their competition 48 to 28 on the day. The team went 8-for-15 from long distance, shooting 53.3%.
"Our game plan was to take care of the ball and rebound," started head coach Linda Raunig. "In a six point game; out-rebounding Western New Mexico by 20 made a huge difference."
The Rangers came out strong in the first half, outscoring the Mustangs by 16 before the horn went off and continued to play hard through the Mustangs full court press in the second. The game turned into a close race after the first half, as the Mustangs closed the gap to a three point deficit by the 12th minute. The women found a way to put down their opponents and keep the lead.
Forward Tae'lor Purdy led the women with 24 total points, sinking 5-of-9 three-pointers. She led the team with nine rebounds, along with guard Meghan Hollenga, and tallied two assists and two blocks for the Rangers.
Also with double figure points were post Kari Ameling, guard Brandi Collins, and forward Sarah Feeney. Ameling recorded 14, for the women along with pulling down seven rebounds. She recorded two steals, one block, and one assist on the night.
Collins was a driving force for the women, influential against the full press. She scored 13, putting in 5-of-6 total field goals and sinking both of her two long distance attempts. Collins led the team with six assists, while also stealing two from the Mustangs.
Feeney hit 12 points on the night, while stealing two, blocking two and assisting on one. She pulled down seven rebounds for the women and hit 5-of-7 total shots
The Rangers will return to the Regis Field House Saturday, December 3rd at 7:00 PM to take on New Mexico Highlands.
