PUEBLO, Colo. - Colorado State University Pueblo women's basketball returns to Massari Arena this week to conclude a three-game homestand with a pair of Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchups against Colorado School of Mines and Regis University.

The ThunderWolves enter the weekend with an 8-6 overall record and sit 4-2 in RMAC play, tied for fourth place in the conference standings. CSU Pueblo will host Mines on Thursday, January 15 at 5:30 p.m., before welcoming Regis on Saturday, January 17 at 1:00 p.m.

The Pack enter the week trending in the right direction, having won four of their last five games. Since opening the season at 1-4, CSU Pueblo has posted a 7-2 record over its last nine contests, including a convincing 66-49 win over Colorado Christian in its most recent outing.

Defense has been the foundation of the ThunderWolves' success. CSU Pueblo is allowing just 58.1 points per game, the third-best mark in the RMAC, and has held seven opponents under 59 points this season. The Pack are 6-1 when limiting teams to 59 points or fewer and have held each of their last six opponents to 60 points or less. CSU Pueblo also ranks among conference leaders in steals, blocks, and turnover margin, forcing nearly 19 turnovers per game.

Key Players to Watch (CSU Pueblo)

• Seneya Martinez – Team-leading 10.4 points per game; has scored in double figures in nine contests

• Genesis Sweetwine – Team leader in assists (3.1 apg), steady floor general

• Wynter Jones – One of the RMAC's top perimeter defenders, averaging 2.1 steals per game

• Dasani Nesbit – Team-leading 5.5 rebounds per game, versatile defender in the frontcourt

Head coach Tommie Johnson is in his seventh season leading the ThunderWolves. A graduate of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Johnson has compiled a 91-88 overall record at CSU Pueblo, including a 66-64 mark in RMAC play. Under his direction, the Pack have built a defensive-minded identity, consistently ranking among the league's top units in scoring defense and pressure statistics. Johnson has guided CSU Pueblo to four consecutive winning seasons, highlighted by an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2022, and last season's 18-win campaign marked the program's highest win total since 2021-22.

Thursday's matchup against Colorado School of Mines shapes up as one of the most significant RMAC games of the weekend, as both teams enter tied at 4-2 in conference play. Mines arrives in Pueblo riding a five-game winning streak and averaging nearly 69 points per game.

The Orediggers are led by senior forward Sofia Baldessari, who averages 16.7 points and 7.2 rebounds per contest, providing a versatile scoring presence both inside and on the perimeter. Mines also features experienced guard play, highlighted by Jenna Shandy and Jade Leon, who help anchor an offense that shoots over 41 percent from the field. Leon has emerged as one of the league's top defenders, earning conference recognition earlier this season.

Colorado School of Mines is led by head coach Brittany Simpson, who is in her 14th season at the helm. A graduate of Colorado Mesa University, Simpson has built one of the RMAC's most consistent programs, compiling a 240-147 overall record. Her teams are known for offensive efficiency, spacing, and disciplined execution, and Mines once again finds itself in the thick of the RMAC race.

CSU Pueblo has historically protected its home floor against Mines, holding a strong advantage in Pueblo, and defeated the Orediggers at Massari Arena last season. Thursday's contest presents a contrast between Mines' offensive rhythm and the ThunderWolves' defensive discipline.

The homestand concludes Saturday afternoon against Regis University. The Rangers enter the weekend still searching for their first win of the season, but feature a frontcourt capable of competing physically in the RMAC. Kate Gallery leads Regis in scoring, while Caitie Turnbow provides interior scoring and rebounding. Jessica Bollwahn is one of the conference's top rebounders, averaging over 10 boards per game.

As a team, Regis has struggled offensively, averaging just over 48 points per game while committing more than 21 turnovers per contest. CSU Pueblo will look to take advantage of its defensive pressure, control tempo, and limit second-chance opportunities.

Regis is led by first-year head coach Jason Kohler, who is in the early stages of rebuilding the program. Kohler inherited a young roster and has emphasized development, rebounding, and interior play. While the Rangers' record reflects the growing pains of a rebuild, his squad has shown flashes of competitiveness as conference play progresses.

The weekend presents a clear contrast in coaching experience and philosophy. Johnson brings stability and defensive consistency, Simpson offers long-tenured conference success and offensive balance, and Kohler represents a rebuilding program focused on growth and development.

With two home games and critical RMAC implications, the ThunderWolves have an opportunity to continue climbing the conference standings. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday against Colorado School of Mines and 1:00 p.m. Saturday versus Regis University at Massari Arena.

PROMOTIONAL GAMES:
Thursday is UCHealth/Pueblo County/West Night
Saturday is Home of Heroes Day (Active Military & Veterans get in free with an ID)