CSU-Pueblo 71, University of the Southwest 52

PUEBLO, Colo. (Nov. 20, 2009) - The CSU-Pueblo defense registered 17 steals and forced 26 turnovers by the University of the Southwest Friday en route to claiming a 71-52 season-opening win at the Al Kaly Shrine Classic, being held at CSU-Pueblo's Massari Arena.

The ThunderWolves relied on their defenders and a breakout game from Jennelle Branting (So., Littleton, Colo.), who recorded a game-high 18 points, more points than she scored during all of her freshman season.  Branting was 7-for-13 from the field, netting three three-pointers.  Point guard Rachel Espinoza (Jr., Pueblo, Colo.) recorded 16 points and a game-high five steals.  She also added three assists, part of 20 assists put up by the Pack in the win.

CSU-Pueblo began the game hot, jumping out to a 24-8 lead.  A strong start by freshman Katrina Selsor (Fr., Glenwood Springs, Colo.), who netted the first five of her 13 points during the initial run, as well as a pair of threes by Branting, got the Pack off on the right foot.  After that, CSU-Pueblo didn't allow the Mustangs to get within 10 points for the rest of the game. 

The season-opening win is the Pack's third in five seasons under current coach Kip Drown, and their first season-opening win since 2007.  The ThunderWolves will try to go 2-0 against 10th-ranked West Texas A&M Saturday night.  The Lady Buffs defeated Metro State at the opening game of the Al Kaly Classic Friday.