LAS VEGAS, N.M. – Western State Colorado University women's basketball team defeated New Mexico Highlands University in a defensive battle Friday evening in Las Vegas, New Mexico. The matchup featured 18 steals, nine blocks, and a combined score of 101 as the Mountaineers beat the Cowgirls 63-38.
 
The Mountaineers (3-1, 1-1 RMAC) jumped to a quick nine point lead in the first quarter, then held their opponent to just four points in the second quarter to take a 32-14 lead at half. The team kept pushing the lead, outscoring the Cowgirls (2-4, 0-2 RMAC) in every quarter.
 
Sadie Stroup led all scorers with 11 points. She was a perfect four-for-four from the line and had five total boards. Taylor Long put up 10 points and tied Sydnie Lengyel with a game-high eight boards.
 
The Mountaineers had nine steals in the game, led by Carra Jackson-Brown's three steals. Kaylynn Bush and Haley Vinson each had a pair of steals as well.
 
The Western defense held Highlands to just 24 percent shooting, and five total treys. They had 15 second chance points to Highlands two.