The Mavericks walked away with a win that left a mix of emotions.
Colorado Mesa University (CMU) took the first quarter with an 18-9 lead. The first points added to the score were two free throws made by redshirt guard Natalie Bartle.
Freshman guard Sophie Hadad and Bartle were taken out at 07:03 due to leg injuries. Bartle was substituted back in at 03:37. Hadad did not return.
Senior guard Morgan Myers-Pack scored a three-point shot during the first quarter. She ended the game with four of five total three-pointers. This placed her second as the team’s highest scorer.
“When I’m coming off the bench coach says it’s a great time to bring some energy either offensively or defensively,” Myers-Pack said.
She was ready to take the statement onto the court. Fighting hard both defensively and offensively.
The Mavericks shot 50% from both behind the arc and within it, during the first quarter. CMU showed a clear shot advantage as ASU shot 18.75% within the arc and 25% outside of it.
During the second half, the Mavericks shot percentage increased. They led the score 19-5 during the second half. Bartle steals the ball with 9:02 left.
Bartle is quick to run down the court and take an opportunity for a layup. Senior guard Kylyn Rigsby adds to the score by taking a 3 point shot.
The second half was played with a weaker defensive and offensive attitude by CMU. The Mavericks had a total of 29 turnovers that led to points for Adams State University (ASU).
Head Coach Taylor Wagner was disappointed to see the shift from the first half to the second half of the game.
“That was not good enough,” Wagner said. “We’re not tough enough when we get a little bit of pressure.”
Even though the Mavericks were still able to get the win against the Grizzlies 60-38, they were quick to agree that their game is better than what was shown tonight.
“It has been rocky. It really has. I think we just have to push harder, keep working hard, and continue working as a team. We just have to do it right in practice. We turned the ball over all week, and it carried through in the game. So, if we can create better habits in practice that will help us for the next four games we have coming up,” senior forward Kelsey Siemons said.
The team had a rough second half, yet that didn’t stop them from making amazing plays.
Junior Guard Monica Brooks was able to steal the ball twice within one minute. She was quick to look for a bad pass and take the opportunity.
Myers-Pack then stole the ball with 01:42 left and made the jump shot.
In the fourth, Siemons blocks the shot. She takes the ball straight from her opponent’s hands as she goes up. Senior forward Sierra McNicol put up the last point on the scoreboard with a free throw. She also led the team in rebounds with a total of 11.
The Maverick’s next game is Friday, Feb.19 at 5 p.m. against Regis University in Denver, Colo.
