Sports Reporter
New faces, a new coach and a new season headline the Colorado Mesa women’s basketball team, opening the 2012-2013 campaign with two wins at the Dixie State Tip-Off tournament in St. George, Utah.
The Mavs beat Simon Fraser University 62-45 on Friday, followed by a 22-point win over Montana State University-Billings on Saturday.
“I think a clean slate is what this program needed,” Kelsey Sigl said. “New players, new coach, new system, all of which have been a great change.”
Sigl was voted RMAC Preseason Player of the Year.
The Mavs trailed just once on Friday as Simon Fraser scored the first point early in the game before a three-pointer from Christen Lopez snapped a two-minute scoreless stretch. Scoring runs from the Mavs were answered with comebacks from Simon Fraser, including a jumper from Simon Fraser’s Rebecca Langmead two seconds before halftime, leaving the Mavs up 29-23.
“We have all really responded well to Coach Wagner’s system and style of play,” RMAC preseason all-conference selection Katrina Selsor said. “We are really buying in this year to make good things happen for our program. We want to do something really special this year, and our goals are obviously to win like every other team does, but the way we get there is what’s going to be special about this season.”
The second half started slow for both teams, with neither side scoring in the first three minutes until Selsor’s outlet pass produced a fastbreak layup for her sister, Sharaya Selsor. The teams traded baskets until the Mavs’ defense forced 23 Simon Fraser turnovers to extend their lead to 17 and sealed the 62-45 win.
Katrina used seven free throws to give her 19 points, eight rebounds and three steals. Sigl scored 17 points off of 8-12 shooting, and Sharaya Selsor added 12 points.
“Getting our first game jitters out of the way on a team like Simon Fraser was huge for us, especially after them beating two nationally ranked teams last weekend,” said Sigl. “It sets the bar that much higher for our team.”
Saturday’s matchup against MSU-Billings featured a strong defensive performance from the Mavs, forcing 20 turnovers and holding the Yellow Jackets to 29 percent shooting. After trailing by five points early, the Mavs forced four turnovers to spark an 11-0 run. A Sigl jumper sparked another 7-0 run, putting the Mavs up 38-29 at halftime.
The Mav’s defense locked down in the second half, allowing just 18 points, while Sigl finished with 17 points, nine rebounds and three assists with a 70 percent shooting performance. Transfer Bruna Deichmann added 12 points.
Sharaya Selsor rejoined her sister on the court and featured the team’s new look after medical redshirting last season.
“Playing with my sister again is a dream come true. Part of why I transferred here was to play with her, so to have that again is really great,” said Katrina. “She is going to really help us out this year. We really missed her on the court last season.”
The two wins mark a strong start for first-year coach Taylor Wagner after coming from Otero Junior College in La Junta. Wagner left Otero as the school’s career wins leader, posting a record of 187-63.
“Coach Wagner brings another dynamic to the program,” Sigl said. “He is intense and has high expectations from top to bottom. His biggest focus has been toughness, mentally and physically, which he has prepared us to be from day one.”
The team will continue to test that toughness over Thanksgiving Break, hosting the Clarion Inn Thanksgiving Classic at Brownson Arena. The Mavs will play Hillsdale College at 5 p.m. on Friday, followed by Mid-America Christian University at 5 p.m. on Saturday.
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