Denver, Colo.: The Regis University Ranger women's basketball team started off the New Year with a hard fought win over the visiting Western New Mexico University Mustangs (4-6, 2-5 RMAC).  A slow second half start proved to be a challenge for the Rangers but after fighting to regain control of the lead with just under four minutes to play they would secure the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference victory.

Western New Mexico scored the first baskets of the game but Regis found momentum going on a 9-0 run while forcing six turnovers in that time to take control.  RU pushed their lead to as much as eight, 17-11 at the 7:56 mark, but the Mustangs continued to chip away.  The Rangers would head into halftime with a 28-21 lead.

The Mustangs went basket-for-basket with Regis in the opening minutes of the second half before going on a 12-2 run to take the lead for the first time since early in the game, 36-35.  RU hung around not letting the gap reach anymore than five and finally junior guard Caresse Williams (Citrus Heights, California) finished a jump shot to lift the Rangers back into the lead, 49-48 with 3:50 to play; this would be the last field goal for Regis.  RU knocked down nine free throws in the final minutes of the game to move to 7-3 overall and 3-3 in the RMAC.

Junior guard Bay'lee Purdy (Agate, Colorado) and sophomore forward Karlyn Johnson (Littleton, Colorado) led the Rangers with 12 apiece.  Purdy was 4-11 from the field and grabbed six boards while Johnson shot a perfect 8-8 from the charity stripe and also pulled down six rebounds.  Williams added with 11 on 4-11 from the field and 3-4 from the free throw line. 

Although RU was slightly outrebounded 46-42, they capitalized forcing 21 turnovers for 19 points and holding the Mustangs to shooting just 28% from the field.

The Rangers are back on their home court Saturday, January 3 at 3 p.m. as they host New Mexico Highlands.