UCCS women win fourth straight

Jennine Sauter scored 23 points as the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs won its fourth straight game and sixth of its past seven with a 66-53 victory over the New Mexico Highlands Cowgirls Tuesday night at the Lionsâ€^TM Den.

Julie Richards added 13 points for UCCS (8-8, 6-4 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) as the Mountain Lions remained atop the RMACâ€^TMs Western Division. Maribeth Martinez added 10 points and five assists for the Mountain Lions.

After shooting over 40 percent only twice in their first nine games, during which they went 2-7, the Mountain Lions have now shot better than 40 percent in three of their past four games. On Tuesday, UCCS hit 42.9 percent of its shots.

“We know that we get a lot of good shots and good looks when we swing the ball a couple of times,” said UCCS guard Dolly Fiedelman, who had eight points and three assists. “If we work the clock and take our time, and donâ€^TMt force shots we can usually get a good ‘in and outâ€^TM or get the post deep down.”

Danielle Murphy led New Mexico Highlands (6-9, 3-7) with 23 points and eight rebounds, but also committed 10 turnovers against UCCSâ€^TM pressure defense. New Mexico Highlands had 25 turnovers overall.

“Stephanie (Sauter) has really quick hands and (Martinez) and I can cause a lot of trouble at the top of the key,” said Fiedelman. “We try to force them one way and create a trap up there.”

The Mountain Lions opened the game with a 12-2 run thanks in part to five points from Sauter. After the Cowgirls whittled the lead to 12-11, the Mountain Lions went on another run to open up a 21-11 lead. New Mexico Highlands never got closer than seven the rest of the way.

“Weâ€^TMre very excited,” said Fiedelman. “We feel like weâ€^TMre playing really well, but at the same time we know that teams are going to be coming after us and thereâ€^TMs always things we can improve on.”