CHADRON, Neb. – Western State Colorado University women's basketball played a contested game against Chadron State College before holding the Eagles off down the stretch. While both teams kept it close throughout, Western came out on top 59-57 after a harrowing final minute of action.
 
Western (6-9, 3-6 RMAC) got a career high 18 points from Jessie Erickson, guiding the victory. Erickson also pulled down six rebounds and dished out three assists to her teammates. The recipient of one of those assists was Katie Dalton who scored 12 point for the Mountaineers. That is Dalton's ninth game recording double-digit scoring this season.
 
In a tail of two-halves, Erickson paced the Mountaineers, scoring 13 of her 18 points before the break. As the second-half picked up, Western found more of Dalton inside as she scored all but two of her 12 points after the break.
 
Chadron State (3-13, 1-9 RMAC) would not go away and even hit the half up 27-28.  Over the course of the game fans were treated to 13 total lead changes.
 
Western led 7 times and saved the best for last.
 
With 1:28 remaining in the game, Chadron tied the game at 55-55. Not phased, the young Mountaineers regained the lead on a crucial basket from a resurgent Chandler Sturms with 54 seconds remaining.
 
After Chadron's leading scorer Kalli Fedderson once again tied the game at 57 a piece, Western looked to the post preseason of Dalton to seal the deal. Dalton hooked in a basket on an assist from Erickson with 20 seconds remaining to give Western a two-point lead.
 
Good transitional inbounding secured the win for Western, leaving the final score 59-57.
 
Western returns to action next weekend at home versus Colorado Christian University and Colorado School of Mines.