Box Score Denver, Colo.: A huge surge in the second half brought the RMAC Conference game between the Rangers and Mountaineers to a close finish, but the Mountaineers prevailed with a 68-66 victory.
The Rangers were down by nine after the first half, the Mountaineers ahead, 36-27. The women came out in the second half, putting up 41.9% from the field and 44.4% from long distance, in an effort to close their opponents lead.
With 15:37 left on the clock in the second, the women brought the score to a one point deficit, continuing to keep the game close until its bitter end.
Three women Rangers went into double figure points throughout the match, but it was not enough to clinch the win over the Mountaineers.
Forwards Tae'lor Purdy and Sarah Feeney and guard Brandi Collins scored big for the women. Purdy put up 20 points in the Ranger's favor, going a perfect 6-of-6 at the charity stripe and hitting on 6-of-14 from the field. She also led the women with 10 total rebounds.
Feeney followed with 13 points on the day, while pulling down seven rebounds. She hit on 4-of-11 from the field and a perfect 4-of-4 from the free throw line.
Collins also had double figures with 10 total points, pulling down four rebounds, and putting up five assists, one block and three steals.
Forward Meghan Hollenga went all out on the hardwood, totaling eight points and pulling down seven rebounds. She also had two clutch steals, one in each half.
The women out-rebounded the Mountaineers 44-37 throughout the game, pulling down 30 defensive rebounds and 14 offensive.
Western State put up 26 points off the bench, and had two women hitting on double figures. Forward Brooke Pendergraft scored 21 points while center Jaylan Spencer was good for 10.
The Rangers will return tomorrow, Saturday, December 31st to face Colorado Mesa at 3:00 PM.
