Pack gets ninth win in calendar year, 'Steel & Silver Series' points.

PUEBLO, Colo. (GoThunderWolves.com - Dec. 31, 2011) - The CSU-Pueblo women's basketball team was able to shake off the holiday rust to defeat rival UC-Colorado Springs 65-56 Saturday. Jennelle Branting (Sr., Littleton, Colo.) paced the Pack as she scored 18-points and finished with six rebounds.

CSU-Pueblo was able to overcome a shaky start to defeat the Mountain Lions in the first matchup of the season between the two rivals. After shooting just 34 percent in the first half and a dismal 18 percent from beyond the 3-point line, the Pack was able to heat up in the second half to run past the Mountain Lions.

Kendall Babler (Sr., Rifle, Colo.) had a solid all-around game going for 13 points, four rebounds and six assists. 

The Mountain Lions kept it close throughout the night, never allowing the Pack to stretch the lead any further than 13 points. Lauren Wolfinger, who finished with 15 points to lead UCCS, was able to cut the lead to three with just a minute remaining but clutch free throw shooting helped the Pack prevail.

The win helped the Pack improve to 6-1 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and a 9-2 overall record. The Pack also gained some valuable ground in the Steel and Silver Series, the all-sports competition between the two schools. 

The Pack will be off a week before hitting the road for a pair of road games beginning with Colorado Mesa on Friday. Tip-off scheduled for 5:30 p.m.