SILVER CITY, N.M. – The Regis University women's basketball team made the 600-mile trek to the Western New Mexico Lady Mustangs, Friday night. The Rangers shot the ball extremely well coming away with a crucial Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference 59-48 win over Western New Mexico (6-9, 4-6 RMAC). 

The points leader of the night, Bay'lee Purdy, scored 12 of her 25 in the first quarter. Of the 14 Regis first quarter baskets, Purdy netted the first 12 to give the Rangers a 14-11 lead after the first. 

RU saw a slight 31-30 lead at halftime in what was a fairly even box score at the break. The Lady Mustangs were unable to keep up with the hot shooting hand of the Rangers throughout the second half trailing by 12, the largest deficit, at one point.  

The start of the third quarter picked right up where each team left off before halftime until a 9-0 Regis run gave the visitors their largest lead of the game, 45-36. Western New Mexico was not to be counted out just yet as they brought the lead within two, 46-44, early in the fourth but a quick 10-0 Ranger response gave RU back control and some breathing room.

Although Regis netted their last field goal of the game at the 4:24 mark in the fourth quarter, RU was still able to defensively control the hosts holding the Lady Mustangs to just nine points a piece in both the third and fourth quarters.

Bay'lee Purdy matched her season-high going 10-of-15 from the field, 3-of-6 from distance, and 2-for-2 from the line. Purdy also added three assists and a steal. Kaylie Rader helped RU to outrebound the Lady Mustangs 37-26 pulling down game-high 13 boards.

The Rangers went 7-of-14 tying their best shooting night of the season from beyond the arc while also shooting 43.5 percent from the field.

Regis moves to an overall record of 8-8 and 6-4 in the RMAC. There are currently three schools tied at the 6-4 mark in the conference making every night out in the RMAC a competitive one. RU next travels to New Mexico Highlands Saturday, January 16. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.