ST. GEORGE, Utah – The Regis University women's basketball team (14-11, 10-10 RMAC) narrowly edged the Dixie State University Trailblazers (13-11, 9-11 RMAC) this evening, taking home a 71-60 win in St. George, Utah.

How It Happened: It was an evenly matched contest between the Trailblazers and Regis as the score reflected that throughout the entirety of the game. After one period of action, both teams headed back to their respective benches with an equal 17 points apiece. Despite falling behind 10-2 after nearly five minutes, the Rangers managed to bounce back behind layups from Whitney Jacob and McKenna Bishop as well as a pair of triples from Emma Sterkel.

The second quarter saw 10 lead changes, beginning with Shelby Espinosa laying in a bucket that put RU ahead by two. Dixie State would regain and hold on to control with 2:35 remaining on the clock, leading 38-36 at the half.

The same story continued after the break with neither team seizing a commanding lead. Regis jumped ahead 48-44 following a Sterkel three-pointer but within a minute and a half, Dixie State had equalized at 48-all before knotting things again at 54-54 heading into the fourth quarter.

RU finally made their move in the opening minutes of the final quarter, going on an 11-2 scoring run as Jacob, Sterkel and Alex Nelson all rattled home treys to give them a 65-56 advantage. Regis allowed the Trailblazers just seven points in the quarter to seal a 70-61 victory.

Game Notes: Sterkel paced the Rangers with 19 points, shooting 7-for-16 from the floor. She also dished out three assists and tallied a pair of steals. Nelson followed with 13 points, finishing a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line while Jacob chipped in 11 points and seven rebounds. Espinosa pulled down a career-high 17 rebounds in addition to eight points as Walters handed off a team-leading four assists.

As a team, Regis shot 39.4%, going 26-for-66 from the floor and 8-of-24 from behind the arc. RU outrebounded the Trailblazers by a margin of 47-31 while earning 19 second chance points compared to DSU's four.

Up Next for the Rangers: Regis takes on Westminster College tomorrow night in Salt Lake City. Tip-off is set for 5:30PM.