The Colorado Christian women's basketball team will be back in action on New Year's Day as they take on nationally ranked Colorado School of Mines at home at the CCU Event Center on Sunday afternoon 1/1 at 1PM MST. The Cougars will be looking to secure the victory and begin 2023 in style by beating a tough opponent.
 
Colorado School of Mines is led by head coach Brittany Simpson who has been an integral part of the Orediggers women's basketball history, as she is the winningest coach in program history as this year marks her 11^th year at the helm for CSM. This year she has a talented squad that has gotten off to a great start as they have begun the year with a 10-1 record including a perfect 6-0 start to conference play. They have shot up the national rankings and heading into the break they were ranked 10^th on the Women's Basketball Coaches' Association poll (WBCA), and ranked 12^th on the media poll sponsored by D2SIDA.
 
They are led on the year by a talented trio of upper classmen that have led the team not only by their play but also their demeanor on and off of the court. Ashley Steffeck is a senior who currently leads the team in scoring as she averages 12.9 PPG and is also a defensive playmaker that has compiled 30 steals this season. Josephine Howery is a junior averaging 12.1 PPG and redshirt senior Megan Van de Graaf also averages double figures with 11.5 PPG. Colorado School of Mines is a team that doesn't surrender many second chance points, as they are also are tough on defense, which leads to scoring opportunities for them on the other end.
 
CCU headed into the break after two very close hard fought games, but were unable to secure the victory, so they are heading into this game against the Orediggers very determined to get back on track heading into their next stretch of games. The Cougars are entering the game with a 6-6 record overall and are 2-4 in conference play. As a team, they are heading into the game averaging 72.4 PPG which puts them second for average scoring per game in the RMAC behind only Adams State.
 
CCU has one of the most balanced offensive attacks in the league, which means that any player on the team in capable of leading the team in scoring on any given night. Nine players on the team average at least six points per game, while five average 8.4 PPG or more. They are led in scoring by Regan LoConte who averages 9.0 PPG followed closely by Victoria Perez at 8.9 PPG. Both LoConte and Perez are lethal from behind the three point line as both of them are shooting an impressive 41% from downtown which puts both of them in the top five for three point percentage in the conference.
 
Makenna Bodette is averaging 8.7 PPG, followed by Dasiya Jones who averages 8.6. Agnes Paul has the capability on any given night to go out and secure a double-double as she averages 8.4 PPG and leads the team by averaging 8.8 RPG. Her 8.8 RPG currently places her in second place for rebounding average within the RMAC.
 
There will be a couple of big factors that will determine the outcome of this game as both teams matchup well together. Rebounding will play a big role in the game as both teams are among the team leaders in the RMAC. CCU currently leads the conference in rebounding while averaging 42.2 RPG, while CSM ranks third at 40.3 RPG. Whoever can take the advantage on the glass will be something to look for during the game. It will also be vital that the Cougars hold onto the ball and not turn it over during the game. The Orediggers are the best team in the RMAC at forcing turnovers and turning them into points for them. If CCU can control the ball, they will limit the extra chances.
 
This matchup also pits the two top teams for assists in the conference. Colorado Christian leads the conference as they are fantastic at sharing the ball evident by their average of 17.67 assists per game. The Orediggers rank second with 15.82 assists, so the team that can continue their strong team play in this game will have a great chance to come away with the victory.
 
Colorado Christian is looking to have a great return after the Christmas break as they will be looking for the support from their home crowd for the game. Come out to the CCU Event Center in Lakewood, CO on Sunday 1/1 and ring in the New Year while cheering your favorite team on as they look to upset Colorado School of Mines. Stay tuned to CCUCougars.com for all updates and news regarding your CCU Athletics teams.