DENTON, Texas (Nov. 12, 2021) – The Pioneers emanated energy across every position Friday night. From the bench, on defense and offense, Texas Woman's University's energy proved to be the difference maker in their 2021-22 season opener dominating win over Western Colorado University.
 
TWU (1-0) opened their season Nov. 12 at home in the Kitty Magee Arena against Western Colorado (0-1) in their first game of the 2021-22 season. After playing a lockdown defense, the Pioneers defeated the Mountaineers 58-42.

"It was really fun to play in front of our home crown," TWU head coach Beth Jillson said. "I am very proud of our players for protecting home court."  
 
In the first quarter, the Pioneers came out of the locker room ready, starting the game with a 6-0 run. They played a tight press throughout the first quarter, which limited the Mountaineers ability to score, knotting just six points in the opening quarter.  
 
TWU added 11 points in the second quarter and held Western Colorado to just two field goals to take a 24-10 lead heading into halftime.
 
After halftime, Sadie Moyer kept her foot on the gas for the Pioneers. Moyer scored five points in the first four minutes of action in the third quarter. Then, TWU pushed the lead to 20 with a minute left in the third, after Brielle Woods drained a 3-pointer.
 
In an attempt to answer TWU, Western Colorado opened the fourth quarter with a small 4-0 run, which was quickly halted with a three point play by Ashley Ingram. Ingram led the way for TWU in the final quarter of action with seven points.
 
The Pioneers dominated the glass in the win, grabbing 42 rebounds to the Mountaineers 33. Agang Tac was the primary TWU rebounder— she finished the game with nine.
 
Rebounding was not the only way the Pioneers utilized their strength near the basket, as TWU crushed the points-in-the-paint battle 20-6.
 
In the win, defense was the glowing stat for the Pioneers. They recorded seven steals as a team. Keslyn King lead the way for TWU with three steals.

"Defensively we were awesome," Jillson said. "We did a great job guarding the dribble drive tonight. I am really proud of our all-around defensive effort tonight."
 
On the offensive end, two Pioneers scored double digits—Moyer topped the list with 12 and King closed the game with 10.
 
The Pioneers play again Saturday afternoon in their final game of the Conference Challenge against Metropolitan State University of Denver. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 P.M. in the Kitty Magee Arena.

Hear head coach Beth Jillson's full post-game interview here: https://youtu.be/RhdbTsBQ_b0.