UCCS Opens the Season with a 41 Point Victory

ALAMOSA, Colo. - The University of Colorado Colorado Springs women's basketball teams opens up the 2012-2013 season with a win for the third straight year under the helm of head coach Corey Laster. The Mountain Lions defeated Oklahoma Panhandle 96-55 at the Alamosa Tourism and Bankers Classic hosted by Adams State on Friday.

UCCS outplayed Oklahoma Panhandle on both ends of the court as they led in every major statistical category. They outrebounded the Aggies 50-25 and had a better shooting percentage for field goals, 3-point field goals and free throws.

UCCS shot just below 60% from the field, 44% from three and recorded 30 assists. The Mountain Lions were dominant in the paint and in points off the bench as they outscored the Aggies 52-16 and 45-14 in each of these categories respectively. UCCS led by as many as 42 points en route to a 41 point victory.

The UCCS Mountain Lions took control of the first half as they went on an 11-2 run three minutes into the game, and was a lead that Aggies could not overcome. The Mountain Lions were led in the first half by senior Lauren Wolfinger and junior Jeri Pikul, who each scored nine points.

Wolfinger finished the game with 16 points shooting 6-11 from the field, 2-5 in three point attempts and added five rebounds with four assists. Pikul finished with a game-high of 18 points shooting 7-10 from the field and 2-3 from downtown. Pikul also tacked on three rebounds and 1 assist.  UCCS was ahead by as many as 17 points on their way to a 42-25 first half.

The Mountain Lions picked up right where they left off before the half, as they began the second half on a 13-6 run. UCCS would go on to win the half 55-30 to lead them to a win in their season opener. The team saw offensive contributions from 12 different players, with three of them scoring in double figures.

Sophomore guard, Abby Kirchoff, finished the game with 13 points and game-highs of seven rebounds and seven assists. Sophomores Kellie Krueger and Shannon Kelly each also added nine points apiece. Center Sam Patterson recorded eight points going 4-4 from the field, while forward Tori Fisher nabbed six rebounds.

UP NEXT: UCCS will be back in action on Saturday in Alamosa, as they take on Northern New Mexico, at 1 p.m. The Mountain Lions lead the all-time series against the Eagles 1-0 as a result of their 61-53 win on November 21, 2009.