CWC Women’s Basketball Battles Through Hard-Hitting Week, Secures Key Home Victory
RIVERTON, WY — The Central Wyoming College Rustlers women's basketball team showcased elite offensive production and grit this week, splitting two high-scoring contests. The Rustlers dominated at home against Casper College before falling in a double-overtime marathon on the road against Gillette College.
CWC 78, Casper College 69
On Wednesday, January 14, the Rustlers delivered a statement win at Rustler Gym, overcoming an early deficit to defeat the Casper College Thunderbirds 78-69. After a slow first quarter, CWC's offense ignited, outscoring the Thunderbirds 69-50 over the final three periods.
The victory was fueled by a balanced scoring attack and exceptional shooting from beyond the arc, where the Rustlers hit 58.8% of their attempts. Laura Ring led the way with a double-double, tallying 22 points and 9 rebounds. Lexie Kesler was nearly perfect from deep, shooting 5-of-7 from three-point range to finish with 21 points and 8 rebounds. Bella Sika and Lucy Howard also reached double figures, contributing 15 and 10 points respectively to seal the conference win.
Gillette College 94, CWC 87 (2OT)
In a game that required two overtime periods to decide, the Rustlers fell just short in a 94-87 thriller at the Pronghorn Center on Saturday. Despite the loss, CWC displayed incredible endurance, with four players logging 43 minutes or more.
Lexie Kesler put on a masterclass performance, leading the Rustlers with 23 points and 7 rebounds while knocking down six three-pointers. Laura Ring was a force on the glass, pulling down a team-high 14 rebounds to go along with 18 points. Aliyah Newton and Bella Sika also provided significant offensive support, scoring 12 and 11 points respectively. The difference-maker proved to be the free-throw line, where Gillette converted 22-of-27 attempts (81.5%) to edge out the Rustlers in the final minutes.
Looking Ahead
Following the split, the Rustlers (8-10, 1-1) have proven they can compete with the top teams in Region 9. They'll face Laramie County Community College at home on Wednesday, January 21 at 5:30 P.M.