PUEBLO, Colo. - The Colorado State University Pueblo Women's Basketball team returns home to Massari Arena this weekend for its final non-conference homestand of 2025, hosting a Black Friday noon tip against Western New Mexico before welcoming Northern New Mexico on Saturday at noon. For a Pack team that has shown flashes of high-level potential through a grueling early schedule, this weekend offers an opportunity to settle in, reset, and build momentum before the conference grind begins.
A Battle-Tested Pack Ready to Turn a Corner
CSU Pueblo's 1–4 record is hardly reflective of the challenges the team has taken on to open the season. The ThunderWolves have faced two nationally ranked Lone Star Conference powers – UT Tyler and Lubbock Christian – both of whom are expected to be national championship contenders. Combined with competitive neutral-site matchups against Nebraska–Kearney and Montana State Billings, the Pack have already weathered one of the tougher opening stretches in the region.
Leadership on the Sidelines
Guiding the ThunderWolves through that early-season gauntlet is well-respected Head Coach Tommie Johnson, now in his seventh season at the helm of the CSU Pueblo Women's Basketball program and his 14th year overall on campus. Johnson first joined the ThunderWolves as the Men's Basketball Assistant Coach in 2008, spending eight successful seasons in that role before being appointed the 11th Head Coach in program history on April 16, 2019. Entering the weekend, Johnson holds an 84–86 record as a head coach and has helped establish a foundation of toughness, discipline, and steady player development within the program. His deep understanding of the university, the conference, and the Pueblo community has been a defining asset as he continues to guide the Pack into a new era of competition.
Martinez and Sweetwine Leading the Charge
On the floor, the Pack are led by senior Division I transfer Seneya Martinez and senior guard Genesis Sweetwine. Martinez enters the weekend averaging 13.0 points per game on 47.3 percent shooting while adding two rebounds and two assists per contest. Her ability to create offense in isolation, score off ball screens, and generate momentum at key moments makes her one of the most dangerous scorers in the RMAC. CSU Pueblo will look to establish her early this weekend as the team continues shaping its offensive identity.
Sweetwine, the engine of the ThunderWolves, averages 12.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while shooting 48.9 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from beyond the arc. Her experience and leadership in critical moments have been invaluable to the Pack's developing backcourt chemistry.
The JUCO Frontcourt and Emerging Depth
CSU Pueblo's frontcourt is anchored by its two impact JUCO transfers: Wynter Jones and Dasani Nesbit. Jones provides 6.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and leads the team with 13 steals, showcasing her ability to defend multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes. Nesbit adds 5.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2 blocks, and a team-high 4.0 defensive boards per game, giving the Pack much-needed interior toughness.
Freshman forward Jada Bobb has emerged as a strong contributor off the bench, averaging 6.2 points and 2.6 rebounds while shooting above 45 percent. Laci Roffle and Ruby Sweeney-Spitzeck continue to carve out valuable rotation roles as the Pack's depth grows.
Team Identity Forming Through the Numbers
CSU Pueblo averages 55.8 points per game while shooting 35.1 percent from the field and 25.2 percent from deep. The defense has stood out early with 9.2 steals per game and a positive turnover margin of +2.8. The Pack continue to emphasize improvements on the glass and at the free-throw line as November comes to a close.
Friday Opponent: Western New Mexico
Western New Mexico enters Massari Arena at 0–4 under second-year head coach Brenda Nichols. Nichols, known for her 12-year tenure at Sam Houston State, has faced a tough RMAC-only schedule to open the season. The Mustangs are led by Teeya Gordon (12.8 points, 5.3 rebounds), Yvanna Villarreal (11.3 points), and Jordan Sapien (10.0 points). As a team, WNMU averages 53.5 points per game.
Saturday Opponent: Northern New Mexico
On Saturday, CSU Pueblo hosts Northern New Mexico, a strong program that finished 19–11 last season and is now under the direction of first-year head coach Mandy Montoya. Montoya previously served as associate head coach from 2015–2019.
The Eagles are led by standout forward Jayden Jenkins, who averages 16.4 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. GG Romero, Romina Lopez, and Paulina Lopez add balanced scoring. NNMC averages 55.4 points, nearly 40 rebounds, and more than 12 steals per game.
CSU Pueblo defeated Northern New Mexico 75–46 last season in Pueblo behind a dominant performance from All-American Alisha Little. The two squads will meet again on December 17 in Española.
What's at Stake for the Pack
With RMAC play approaching, this weekend serves as the final tune-up for Tommie Johnson's squad. These two games will help refine rotations, reinforce roles, and sharpen execution heading into conference action. CSU Pueblo officially opens RMAC play on December 4 in Pueblo, hosting Westminster in what will begin a long and competitive conference journey.
This weekend provides the Pack with a valuable chance to generate momentum, regain rhythm at home, and close out November with confidence as their identity continues to take shape under Johnson's leadership.
