DENVER, Colo. - The road to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Tournament runs directly through the Denver metro area this week for Colorado State University Pueblo women's basketball, as the ThunderWolves head north for two critical road games that could define their postseason fate.
CSU Pueblo enters the week at 13–11 overall and 9–7 in RMAC play, currently sitting seventh in the conference standings with four regular-season games remaining. With the middle of the league tightly packed, every possession carries weight as the Pack look to solidify their spot in the RMAC Tournament and potentially climb the standings before the regular season comes to a close.
The ThunderWolves will open the week Thursday night in Denver against MSU Denver before concluding the road swing Saturday afternoon in Golden against Colorado School of Mines, marking the final two true road games of the RMAC schedule.
CSU Pueblo arrives in the Denver area playing its best basketball of the season. The ThunderWolves have won three straight games, including convincing victories over Chadron State, UCCS, and Colorado Christian. The current streak marks the third three-game winning stretch of the season and comes at a pivotal time as postseason positioning takes center stage.
Just as important, the Pack have rediscovered confidence away from home. After opening the new year with four straight road losses, CSU Pueblo has now won two consecutive road games, regaining rhythm and belief in hostile environments as the calendar turns toward March. Since starting the season 1–4, the ThunderWolves have posted a 12–7 record over their last 19 games, reflecting steady growth from a roster that has continued to improve as the season has progressed.
Thursday's matchup against MSU Denver features two teams separated by just one game in the RMAC standings and both riding three-game winning streaks. The Roadrunners enter the contest at 12–13 overall and 10–6 in conference play, averaging just over 70 points per game while shooting better than 41 percent from the field as a team.
MSU Denver is led by senior guard Mikylah Espinosa, who averages 17.1 points per game and ranks among the RMAC's most efficient perimeter scorers. Espinosa's ability to score at all three levels makes her the focal point of opposing scouting reports. She is complemented by Nevaeh Millard, who averages 12.8 points per game while applying pressure defensively, and Jadyn Watts, a versatile forward contributing 10.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. In the paint, Keira Mitchell provides size and rim protection, averaging 7.3 rebounds and over three blocks per game.
For CSU Pueblo, the challenge begins on the defensive end. The ThunderWolves rank among the RMAC's top defensive teams, allowing just over 62 points per game, and have been most effective when dictating tempo, forcing turnovers, and limiting clean perimeter looks. Ball security and defensive pressure loom large, as CSU Pueblo holds a positive turnover margin and consistently turns defensive stops into transition opportunities.
The ThunderWolves have also found confidence against MSU Denver in recent seasons, having won the last two meetings, including a decisive victory in Pueblo last year. That recent success provides belief as CSU Pueblo looks to continue its upward momentum in Denver.
Saturday's finale against Colorado School of Mines brings another familiar and evenly matched opponent into focus. Mines enters the week at 13–14 overall and 8–8 in RMAC play, averaging just over 69 points per game while shooting better than 41 percent from the floor. The Orediggers are physical, disciplined, and especially tough on their home floor in Golden.
The centerpiece of the Mines attack is Sofia Baldessari, one of the most dominant forwards in the RMAC. Baldessari averages 20.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, combining physical post play with perimeter shooting range that forces difficult defensive matchups. She has repeatedly delivered high-scoring performances in conference play and remains one of the league's most difficult players to contain.
Jenna Shandy provides balance from the guard position, averaging 11.7 points and over three assists per game, while the Orediggers' supporting cast adds rebounding and interior presence that allows Mines to control tempo and limit second-chance opportunities. CSU Pueblo will need to be disciplined defensively and aggressive offensively to avoid prolonged scoring droughts in Golden.
The ThunderWolves are well aware of how thin the margin is in this matchup. Mines escaped Pueblo earlier this season with a 73–70 win, erasing a late CSU Pueblo lead. That result adds motivation as the Pack look to flip the outcome in the rematch.
Rebounding discipline and shot selection will be key on Saturday. CSU Pueblo has been at its best when spacing the floor, sharing the basketball, and knocking down perimeter shots. The ThunderWolves rank near the top of the RMAC in three-point attempts and makes per game, and strong shooting nights have often coincided with their biggest wins. Defensively, limiting second-chance opportunities and controlling the paint will be essential.
Leading the Pack is senior guard Seneya Martinez, who has elevated her play to another level over the past month and has firmly placed herself in the RMAC Player of the Year conversation. Martinez has been the most dominant player in the league during the stretch run, delivering repeated high-level performances while carrying CSU Pueblo offensively against conference competition.
Martinez is averaging well over 20 points per game in February, highlighted by a career-high 36-point performance against UCCS followed by a 29-point outing on the road at Colorado Christian. Beyond the scoring numbers, her ability to take over games, create offense late, and impact both ends of the floor has separated her during the Pack's surge. As teams have adjusted their defensive focus toward her, Martinez has continued to dictate outcomes with confidence and composure.
Running the offense is senior point guard Genesis Sweetwine, whose steady leadership and playmaking have been central to CSU Pueblo's success. Sweetwine averages 4.6 assists per game, ranking among the RMAC's leaders, and continues to control tempo, organize the Pack in late-game situations, and create opportunities for others through ball movement and decision-making.
Complementing Sweetwine's role has been the evolution of Dasani Nesbit into a point-forward presence. Nesbit's ability to handle the ball, facilitate offense from the high post, and initiate actions has added another layer to CSU Pueblo's attack. Whether pushing the ball in transition, making reads against defensive rotations, or finding shooters out of double teams, Nesbit's expanded role has helped ease pressure on the backcourt and improved offensive flow.
Jada Bobb, Ruby Sweeney-Spitzeck, and Anyla Owens continue to provide timely scoring, floor spacing, and defensive versatility as the rotation tightens down the stretch.
Guiding the ThunderWolves through the stretch run is head coach Tommie Johnson, who has CSU Pueblo playing its best basketball of the season at precisely the right time. After navigating early-season growing pains, roster turnover, and lineup adjustments, Johnson has watched his team settle into a confident rhythm as February turns toward March.
The Pack's recent surge reflects Johnson's approach built on defensive accountability, improved execution, and trust in the process. CSU Pueblo's consistency on both ends of the floor, along with renewed success on the road, underscores a team that is connected, confident, and trending upward when the stakes are highest.
Adding to the significance of the moment, Johnson enters the final weeks of the regular season just four wins shy of the 100th victory of his CSU Pueblo head coaching career. The milestone sits within reach as the ThunderWolves push toward postseason play, a fitting backdrop as the program builds momentum and identity heading into March.
With RMAC Tournament positioning on the line and confidence growing by the game, the ThunderWolves head into the Denver metro area knowing this week represents more than just two road contests. It is a defining stretch, one that could shape how far this season ultimately goes.
