GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Regis University Women's Basketball opened 2026 with an RMAC matchup on the road at Colorado Mesa University, ranked #11 in the most recent WBCA Top 25 Coaches Poll, but lost, 44-72. The Rangers fall to 0-7 (0-4 RMAC), while the Mavericks rise to 14-1 (4-0 RMAC).
HOW IT HAPPENED
Caitlin Turnbow recorded the first basket of the game, a layup assisted by Jessica Bollwahn. Bollwahn then scored in the paint, and earned a steal that led to another Turnbow bucket. However, despite a pair of jumpers from Mary Crossland and another Bollwahn steal, Mesa built an 18-10 lead, including a tip-in in the final second of the period.
RU started the second with a triple from Savanna Staff and a layup by Kaylin Venick, both assisted by Turnbow. Venick stole the ball, and about Kate Gallery for a fast break triple to keep the deficit in the single digits, but CMU answered with a three-pointer, and neither team would find the bottom of the net for the final two minutes of the half, and the Mavericks led 31-19 going into the break.
Mesa scored twice in the paint quickly to open the third, but Staff scored from deep to start the Rangers scoring. Staff continued to power the team in the period, with an assist on a Turnbow layup, a steal, and another three. An 8-0 run from Mesa pushed their lead to 53-28, but Crossland helped end the run in the closing minute, with a steal, assist, and a free throw.
The teams traded layups to start the final quarter, but the Mavericks put together another strong run, scoring 11 unanswered. Gallery ended it with back-to-back jumpers, then an assist to Turnbow in the lane. Crossland added one for three, but ultimately, Colorado Mesa prevailed, 72-44.
GAME NOTES
· Turnbow led the Rangers offense with 12 points and five assists
· Bollwahn was the motor on defense with seven rebounds, four steals, and one block
· Staff shot 3-of-4 from deep
· Olivia Reed led all players with 21 points for CMU. Mason Rowland had a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double
UP NEXT
The Rangers return to action on Thursday, January 8, hosting Black Hills State University (SD), tip-off set for 7 pm.
