By Weston Allenback
PUEBLO, Colo. (GoThunderWolves.com - Nov. 16, 2012) - The CSU-Pueblo women's basketball team kicked-off its 2012-2013 season with a 65-58 win Friday, playing host to California Baptist University in its first of two games as a part of the 29th Annual Al Kaly Shrine Classic at Massari Arena.
Once the Pack offense was able to shake off some early season rust, it began to find its form and the lead, which they never surrendered to win its first game of the regular season. Getting solid performances from seniors Laurel Kearsley (Sr., Victor, Idaho) and Erica Hicks (Sr., Lakewood, Colo.), the ThunderWolves pulled away from the Lancers of California Baptist in the second half and started the season with a solid 7-point win.
The ThunderWolves started the second half with a 19-5 run, feeding off defensive intensity and sharp shots from the three-point line by Hicks.
"In the past we have had a little trouble coming out of halftime," said Hicks. "So coming out strong in the second half was one of our goals this year and we really emphasized it when we came out in the second half he changed our rhythm up."
Hicks shrugged off some early misses from the field to lead the Pack in scoring with 15, while Kearsley was all over the glass for the ThunderWolves grabbing 17 rebounds to go along with her 11 points in the season opener.
"This year specifically, I want to be an all-around player," said Hicks. "I don't want to just be a scorer or a good defender. I want to be an all-around player for my team."
Credit the Lancers for causing seven first half turnovers from the Pack - led by Simone Homes' 17 points, they were never out of it.
Even as the ThunderWolves were finding themselves struggling in the first half, shooting only 33 percent from the field, they were able to stay in the game with three-point shooting hitting a total of 11 in the game. They forced 12 turnovers in the second half, 18 in the game, to shut the Lancers down after they played them to a 32-32 tie at halftime.
Paige Ramm (Jr., Pescott, Ariz.) also turned in a solid performance for the ThunderWolves, racking up seven points coming off the bench.
The Pack hit the court again tomorrow night at 5 p.m. when they host Emporia State in the finale of the Al Kaly Classic.
