PUEBLO, CO- The Cougars closed play in Pueblo on Sunday with a matchup against #20 UT Tyler. Behind a stifling defense, the Cougars gained a big first half lead and never looked back en route to a 51-39 victory, their first of the young season. 

Jordon Heckert began what would be a stellar day with an early jumper, and Ja'Shelle Johnson hit a jumper moments later. Ezra Somonich connected from three-point range to put her team ahead 7-2, while Addison Wragge and Elise Grosdidier got baskets as the lead continued to grow. Heckert nailed a late three-pointer as a dominant quarter ended with CCU ahead 16-3. 

The Patriots tried to rally back in the second quarter, but Somonich stayed hot with back-to-back three-pointers to push the lead to 26-7. Samantha Wattawa got a layup to go, and a layup from Elise at the halftime buzzer sent the Cougars to the break with a comfortable 36-14 lead. 

The teams traded baskets for a large part of the third quarter, with Heckert hitting a jumper to keep her team on top. Wragge closed the quarter with a pair of free throws as CCU continued to lead 46-31. 

UT Tyler managed to cut the deficit to single digits at nine points early in the fourth, but a Johnson layup and Heckert three put CCU firmly back in control. The Cougars held the Patriots scoreless over the final 5:28 of the final quarter as they locked down the nationally ranked team for a statement 53-39 victory. 

Heckert led the offense with 13 points, while Simonich poured in 11 points. Elise had 10 points and a steal on the day. Heckert led the team in rebounds with seven, a mark tied by Johnson. Ja'Shelle distributed well with three assists. The defense was smothering all day, notching a pair of blocks and eight steals while holding their opponent to just 21.4% from the field. 

The Cougars now head to the Sunshine State to take on the University of Tampa on November 19 at 5 p.m. MST.