CSM begins 2010 with a 60-49 win over Western Oregon

GOLDEN, Colo. – The Colorado School of Mines women’s basketball team recorded its sixth straight victory to begin 2010 posting a 60-49 victory over Western Oregon in non-conference action on Saturday afternoon at Lockridge Arena.

Mines scored eight unanswered points to begin the game extending its lead to as many as 11 points in the first half of play. CSM shot 45.8 % in the first half as it held WOU to just 13.8 % shooting from the floor. Western Oregon scored nine of its 18 points in the first half from the free throw line.

The Orediggers opened the second half on a 12-2 run quickly pushing their lead to 18 points at the 16:29 mark. The Wolves answered going on an 11-2 run to cut their deficit to just nine points when Danielle Bellando drained the jumper with 10:41 remaining in the game.

An 8-1 run capped by an Angie Charchalis three pointer gave Mines a 16-point lead with 6:26 left on the clock. Once again the Wolves came back with a 10-2 run cutting the lead to eight points with 3:14 remaining in the game. However, eight points was as close WOU was able to get in the second half as Mines made six free throws in the final 2:37.

The Orediggers had the advantage in the paint outscoring the Wolves 32 to 14 and out-rebounded Western Oregon 55 to 23 while pulling down 16 offensive rebounds. The game marked the third time this season Mines has held an opponent to under 50 points.

Western Oregon (5-9 overall) was led by Katie Torland and Sara Zahler who each had seven points. Hannah Whitsett, Courtney Martin and Danielle Bellando each contributed six points.

Two players finished in double figures for Mines. Angie Charchalis scored in double figures for the fifth time in her last six games as she finished with 18 points, seven rebounds and three steals. Emily Dalton added 16 points (6-for-7 FT), five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Katie Carty added eight points, four rebounds and two blocked shots while Brecca Gaffney contributed six points, 11 rebounds and a pair of blocked shots.

The Orediggers (8-2 overall) return to RMAC play next weekend as they host CSU-Pueblo on Friday, Jan, 8th and N.M. Highlands on Saturday, Jan. 9th. Both games are at 6:00 pm at Lockridge Arena.

-- OREDIGGERS --