DENTON, Texas (Dec. 20, 2021) – We're walking in a winning wonderland.
 
In her first career start, Ashley Ingram set career records to help give Pioneer fans an early holiday present. On Monday afternoon, the Texas Woman's University basketball team defeated University of Texas – Tyler, 61-49.
 
TWU (7-3) returned to the winning column ahead of the holiday break and handed UT-Tyler (7-2) their second loss of 2021.
 
"We showed no fear today," TWU head coach Beth Jillson said. "With only seven players available, every player stepped up and played with grit and fight. A lot of players were forced to play out of their position, but each one stepped up and did not back down. I am just so incredibly proud of everyone today."
 
Ingram recorded her first career double-double with 21 points and 15 rebounds, both career highs. Ingram also finished with a career high three assists and added three steals and one block to her stellar performance.
 
"Ashley stepped up in a big way for us today," Jillson said. "As the only true post available today, she dominated the paint, in scoring and on the boards. I am so proud of the way she led throughout the game."
 
The Pioneers set the tone for the game early on, as Keslyn King opened the game with a lay-up to give the Pioneers a 2-0 lead. The Patriots responded quickly and tied the game 2-2 at 9:14 in the first quarter, which was the only tie of the entire contest.
 
Across four quarters of action, the Pioneers never trailed.
 
In the second quarter, TWU went on a 6-0 run in the first three minutes. Sadie Moyer drained a 3-pointer with 7:18 on clock in the second to give the Pioneers their first double digit lead of the first half.
 
UT-Tyler struggled to score against the Pioneers stifling defense, especially in the second quarter. The Patriots scored their last bucket of the first half at 3:29 and did not score again before halftime.
 
To close the first half, Ingram scored three points to give the Pioneers a 12-point lead heading into halftime.
 
Both teams fought to find the basket in the third quarter. Ingram finally broke through for TWU at 7:28 with two free throws to again push the Pioneers' lead to 11.
 
Then, late in the third quarter, Brielle Woods hit a 3-pointer and Ingram followed with a jumper to give the Pioneers their largest lead of the game at 16.
 
The fourth quarter was all TWU, as the closest the Patriots got was seven points.

TWU forced 21 turnovers and grabbed 10 steals to continue their trademark lockdown defense. They also out-rebounded the Patriots 46-29.
 
Brielle Woods finished with a career high 16 points and 8 rebounds. Sadie Moyer added 11 points and King scored 10 points in the win.
 
In her first career start, Kayla Glover grabbed six rebounds and recorded a career high three assists. Amaya Briggs also scored three points to help lead TWU to the big holiday win.
 
With their win unwrapped today, the Pioneers head into the holiday week with seven wins in 2021. TWU will play their final game of the year on Dec. 31 against UT – Tyler in Tyler, Texas. Tip off is scheduled for 2 p.m.