Women's Basketball
2008-09 Highlight Video
Cougars Load up for 2009-10 with Spectacular Spring Signings
May 1, 2009—The CCU women’s basketball team is pleased to announce the addition of freshman Kelsey Flood and sophomore transfers Brittany Long and Sam Neal who will join an already loaded lineup for 2009-10.
Kelsey Flood, a 6’0” guard out of Desert Vista High School in Phoenix, Arizona, was ranked by ESPN.com as the 44th best wing in the class of 2009. Coming from one of the top programs in the state of Arizona, Flood is a proven leader and a top-notch athlete.
“Kelsey greatly increases our size and athleticism on the perimeter,” stated coach Hays. “She is a great athlete that can penetrate and shoot from the outside. She will be one of the best rebounders on a top-notch rebounding team and will be a defensive stopper against the bigger guards in our league. Despite her accolades, Kelsey is one of the most energetic and enthusiastic people I have met and will bring daily inspiration to her teammates and coaches,” added Hays.
Joining Flood will be Brittany Long, a transfer from Regis University and a 2008 graduate of nearby Faith Christian High School. A scoring machine with a natural instinct for the game, Long currently sits at 2nd place all-time in the CHSAA record books with 265 made three-point buckets. She also ranks 7th all-time in points scored, 8th in free throws made and 8th in free throw percentage.
“Brittany will be a program changer in her next few years here,” noted Hays. “Her knowledge of the game is incredible and will be put to good use as she steps up to lead this team in the future. She is one of the most efficient and productive players to come out of Colorado and has the talent and work ethic to change the outcome of the game single handedly. Despite those attributes, she is one of the most unselfish, team oriented players I will have the privilege to coach.”
Last but certainly not least is Sam Neal, a sophomore transfer from Regis University and a 2008 graduate of Golden High School. A deadly marksman from deep, Neal holds the all-time CHSAA three-point field goal mark with 271 career makes. Combining a lethal shooting touch with superior court vision, Sam earned her way to 3rd place all-time in Colorado history with 538 total assists.
Coach Hays adds that, “Sam is an instinctual player with the ability to control the game for us. She will be an instant contributor on the offensive end, as she can shoot and distribute the ball very well. Sam will fit into our style of play extremely well here and she will find the freedom to use her strengths.”
With the addition of the early signing class in December, coach Hays has added a total of seven new players to next year’s roster, three of which turned down Division I offers to attend CCU.
“The coolest part about this class is that I believe they will carry on the amazing attitude and heart that the current team has displayed. We are a blessed program!”
Men’s and Women’s Basketball to Add JV Program
April 29, 2009—The Colorado Christian University Athletic Department is pleased to announce that the men’s and women’s basketball teams will be adding a junior varsity program which is set to begin in the upcoming 2009-2010 year of competition.
Each program will carry 10-12 additional players and will compete primarily against regional junior college teams. Athletic scholarship money will be available for athletes who qualify, in addition to an automatic $1000 CCU scholarship for students who enroll from partner high schools.
CCU’s junior varsity program provides a great opportunity for players to enjoy the full collegiate athletic experience, with the potential to develop skills and progress to the varsity ranks.
For more information, please contact Nikki Long at njlong@ccu.edu or 303-963-3189.
Hiring Hays Pays as Cougars Cap Super Season
March 9, 2009—It didn’t take long for head coach Tim Hays to make his mark on the CCU women’s basketball program. Joining CCU this past fall, the LA Grande, Oregon native brought Division I and professional experience to the Cougar bench, while instilling a never-say-die attitude that resulted in one of the most successful seasons in team history.
In only his first year at the helm, Hays coached the ladies through arguably the toughest non-conference schedule in recent memory, battled a series of late-season injuries and still had the Cougars in the hunt for an RMAC playoff berth until the final hours of the regular season.
The Cougars started 2008-09 on a tear, defeating regional foe Wayne State for the first time in team history and taking top-ranked rival Alaska-Anchorage down to the wire in a two point road loss. On December 6, the ladies put a punctuation mark on a new era by rebounding from a 26 point second half deficit to defeat Northwest Nazarene.
Over the next two months, CCU was able to knock off defending RMAC Shootout champs, CSU-Pueblo, on their home court, before sweeping the Metro State – Regis weekend for the first time this decade. 
With junior forward Abby Rosenthal playing some of the best basketball of her career, the Cougars secured wins in ten of twelve games, were tied for first place in the RMAC East Division and ranked as high as eighth in the NCAA’s Central Region.
While a string of February injuries cost the Cougars a five game losing streak in the thick of conference play, Hays still managed to rally a short-handed squad to victories in two of their last three games. Heading into the final hours of the RMAC season, the Cougars were still alive in the playoff hunt, until the Adams State Grizzlies pulled out a six point road win to secure the final post season berth.
Although adversity ended the 2009 season short of team expectations, the Cougars look ahead to next year with plenty of optimism. Hays has already added the best early signing class in team history, and returns all five starters and five key reserves. From the coaching staff on down, the ladies look to be on the fast track to unprecedented success and an unforgettable run in 2009-10.
Cougars Misfire Their Way out of NCCAA Tourney
March 7, 2009—A shorthanded CCU women’s basketball team shot a cool 41% from the floor, including a 21% clip from downtown to go with a forgettable 50% showing from the free throw line in a 65-77 loss to Mid America Christian in the NCCAA Regional Finals Saturday afternoon in Lakewood, Colorado.
Already down to a rotation of seven for the past two weeks, the Cougars were forced to play with only one sub for the lion’s share of the second half, as Ainsley Barratt drew her fifth foul early in the final 20 minutes.
Abby Rosenthal once again led the way for CCU with 23 points and 13 rebounds on 8-10 shooting.
Karina Trindade paced the Evangels with 21 points and 14 boards in the victory.
Barring an at-large bid to the NCCAA National Finals, the Cougars end their season with a record of 14-15.
Rosenthal, Aguirre Named RMAC All-East
March 4, 2009—Capping off a strong 2008-09 outing, Abby Rosenthal has been named First Team RMAC All-East, and Talmai Aguirre earned a nod on the RMAC East Division Second Team.
Rosenthal was also tabbed as NCCAA Regional MVP, after earning five RMAC Player of the Week awards, while averaging a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds per contest.
Aguirre led the Cougars in scoring for the entire season, pouring in 15.7 points per game and scoring a season high 29 points against Grand Canyon University, New Mexico Highlands and Regis University.
Congratulations to this year’s award winners and best of luck to the Cougars as they continue their march in the NCCAA playoffs.
Rosenthal Named NCCAA Regional MVP
March 3, 2009—The CCU Athletic Department is pleased to announce that Abby Rosenthal, a 6’1” junior forward on the women’s basketball team, has been named the NCCAA Regional MVP.
Abby has been a powerhouse under the basket all season long for the Cougars, averaging a double-double with 14 points and an RMAC-best 10 rebounds per game.
Rosenthal has logged a conference-high 12 double-doubles on the season, and was named RMAC Player of the Week five times as a junior.
The Rosenthal-led Cougars are fresh off of a 25 point win in game-one of the NCCAA regional tourney, and now gear up for Mid America Christian this Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
Cougars Cruise in Round One of NCCAA Tourney
March 2, 2009—The CCU women’s basketball team overcame a relatively flat and uninspired first half to pull out an easy 78-53 (box score) victory over the Central Christian Tigers Monday evening in round one of the NCCAA Regional Tournament at the CCU Event Center in sunny Lakewood, Colorado.
It was a career night for the fabulous freshman, Kelsie Hert, who paved the way for the Cougars with 19 rebounds, 12 points and four blocked shots.
Playing their third game in four nights and missing their leading scorer, the Cougars looked limp from the get-go. CCU committed 11 first half turnovers and shot a wintry 35% from the floor in the opening stanza. Despite the slow start, the ladies held a 31-17 advantage on the boards and took a 39-26 cushion into the half.
Following what was likely an inspiring half time chat, the ladies came out of the gates on fire in the final 20 minutes, increasing the lead to as many as 30 when Jodie Krall sank a three-ball with 7:35 showing on the ticker.
From that point on, the visiting Tigers would get no closer than 24 points, as the Cougars rolled to the 78-53 decision.
CCU’s Ainsley Barratt tallied her second double-double in as many games with 17 points and 10 authoritative rebounds.
Stephenie Allen finished with 13 points and eight boards, while Holly Valdez logged 13 points and five assists.
Ashlie Matney led the Tigers with 15 points on 5-10 shooting.
The Cougars finished the contest with a 62-34 rebounding advantage, and held the visitors to an icy 27% shooting on the evening.
With the victory, the Cougars move to an even 14-14 on the year and will now face Mid America in the regional finals this Saturday right here in the Event Center. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m.
Double-Double Duo Leads Cougars over Chadron
February 28, 2009—Abby Rosenthal and Ainsley Barratt each logged double-double performances, leading the Cougars to an 85-76 (box score) victory over Chadron State in the final regular season game of the year Saturday night at the Cougar Event Center in Lakewood, Colorado.
Rosenthal’s double-double marks her 12th of the year, as the 6’1 junior post erupted for 23 points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots.
Barratt was equally impressive with her second double-double of the year, logging 16 points while shooting 5-10 from deep to go with 10 boards in the victory.
The Cougars trailed by three midway through the first half, before taking the lead for good, when Barratt canned one of her five three point bombs at the 7:50 mark.
CCU extended the cushion to as many as 20 in the second stanza, and eventually sailed to the 85-76 win.
Kristy Long led Chadron with 22 points on 7-14 shooting and Sunni Busch had a double-double performance of her own with 11 points and 14 rebounds.
Jodie Krall had another solid evening for the Cougars with 17 points, six rebounds and five assists.
The Cougars finish the regular season with a 13-14 mark and out of contention for the RMAC postseason, however, the ladies will be now begin the battle for the NCCAA national crown, as they host Central Christian on Monday night in the first round of the NCCAA Regional Playoffs. Game time is slated for 7:00 p.m.
Kearney Dodges Cougar Upset Bid in Overtime
February 27, 2009—The University of Nebraska-Kearney Lopers had their hands full with a depleted CCU squad Friday night, needing a last second three point connection and an overtime period to escape with a 91-80 (box score) win over a Cougar team that played only seven players.
Decimated by injuries, the Cougars still played with the trademark grit and determination that defines this year’s team. CCU got out of the gates slowly, but rebounded from an 8-23 deficit and eventually pulled to within five points (35-40) by halftime.
With the momentum in their favor the Cougars pulled to within one point on five separate occasions, before eventually taking the lead for the first time on a Jodie Krall layup with 6:08 on the clock.
Ainsley Barratt and Meghan ‘big shot’ Verbitsky each drained three’s on two of the next five possessions, before Barratt tacked on back-to-back free throws to give the Cougars a six point advantage with three minutes left.
UNK’s Jade Meads answered with a pair of freebies of her own, pulling the Lopers back to within four points, with 2:49 remaining in a classic Cougar nail-biter.
Following a pair of missed CCU jumpers on the ensuing possession, Kaitlin Petri sank a Kearny three to bring the guests back to within one point with the clock down to 1:12.
A bizarre series of events on the other end of the court resulted in three missed CCU jumpers and three offensive rebounds, before the Lopers were forced to foul Krall with time running down.
With ice water in her veins and her free throws set to automatic, Krall calmly downed both attempts to give the Cougars a three point advantage with only 12 seconds to go.
It was four seconds to many however, as UNK’s Debi Johnson canned a clutch trey from the right wing to hush a rowdy CCU Event Center that could smell an upset in the air and send the contest into the extended period.
Krall drew first blood in OT, driving for an acrobatic layup, before Abby Rosenthal downed a pair at the charity stripe to put CCU ahead by four.
The lack of depth became apparent however, as the weary Cougars misfired on their next five jumpers and Kearney was able to extend a three point lead to 11 in the final 1:04.
Four players logged double-digit scoring for the Lopers, led by Jonni Mildenberger who finished with a game-best 24 points on 8-13 shooting.
Krall led a balanced CCU attack with 19 points and six assists.
It was another double-double outing Abby Rosenthal, who finished with 12 points and 16 rebounds.
Big Shot Verbitsky added 16 big points on 5-12 shooting from deep, while Barratt and Stephenie Allen each tacked on 10.
The Cougars are back at it tomorrow evening in the regular season finale, when they host the Chadron State Eagles at 5:00 p.m.
Don’t forget, CCU will tip off post season action on Monday night, as they host the Central Christian College Tigers at 7:00 p.m.
Krall’s 24 Carries Cougars Past UCCS
February 20, 2009—Jodie Krall and the CCU women’s basketball (12-13, 8-9 RMAC) team got back in the win column in impressive fashion, posting a 76-65 victory (box score) over the UCCS Mountain Lions (8-16, 6-10 RMAC) Friday night at the Cougar Event Center in Lakewood, Colorado.
Krall stuffed the stat sheet with 24 points, five rebounds, five assists, one block and three steals, while shooting 6-8 from the field, including some clutch three point connections late in the contest.
Not to be outdone, Ainsley Barratt logged a double-double, erupting for 15 points on a 6-10 shooting display to go with 12 boards in the Cougar win.
CCU came out of halftime in impressive fashion, breaking a 26-26 tie with a 13-3 run that was capped by a Talmai Aguirre three point bomb.
UCCS cut the deficit back down to six points by the 11 minute mark, before a pair of Kelise Hert free throws and a Krall trey ran the margin back up to 11 points over a 30 second span.
The Cougars eventually moved ahead by 14 points after Aguirre drained four consecutive free throws following a technical foul on the guest Mountain Lions.
Keeping the pedal to the metal, CCU was able to increase the margin to as many as 16 down the stretch, before eventually settling for the 11 point decision.
Abby Rosenthal added eight points and 12 boards for CCU, while Aguirre finished with 16 points and three steals.
Nancy Hoist led UCCS with 18 points and eight rebounds.
The Cougars now set their sights on the final weekend of RMAC regular season action, as they host Nebraska-Kearney next Friday night right here at the CCU Event Center. Game time is slated for 6:00 p.m.
Cougars Lose Battle at Home
February 17, 2009—The Colorado Christian women put up a tough fight against RMAC East Division leader Colorado Mines Tuesday, but couldn’t hold off late Oredigger runs that eventually led to a 56-52 CSM win over the host Cougars.
Abby Rosenthal posted strong defensive numbers in the loss, leading the way with 2 blocks and 4 steals. The junior also recorded a team-high 13 points.
Mines outscored the Cougars 7-1 in the final 3 and a half minutes of the game, led by Emily Dalton and Brecca Gaffney, who together scored 27 points for the Orediggers.
The loss moves CCU to 11-13 on the year, 7-9 in RMAC play. The Cougars are home for the remainder of the season, and face University of Colorado-Colorado Springs Friday at 6 pm.
Cougars Slip at Metro
February 14, 2009 – Abby Rosenthal scored 14 points and Talmai Aguirre and Kelsie Hert added 13 points each, but CCU couldn’t do enough to match Metro State’s offensive efforts Saturday night at the Auraria Campus. The Cougars lost their fourth straight road game 67-84.
A back and forth battle for much of the first half, Rosenthal led the way for the Cougars, scoring 8 of the first 16 Cougar points. Turnovers plagued the 11-12 squad for the second night in a row, however, and by the time the first half buzzer sounded, CCU had lost the ball 12 times and headed into the break down 31-42.
The second half would go no better for a CCU team who shot only 29% from the field in the final 20. Though they battled till the last horn, Metro held them off, led by the double-digit scoring of all but two of their players.
Rosenthal added 8 boards to her 14 points, 6 of them coming on the defensive end.
CCU looks to get back into the win column Tuesday at home against RMAC leader Colorado School of Mines. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at the CCU Events Center.
Rangers Even the Score
February 13, 2009 – Though both teams shot 44% from the field and 35% from deep Friday night, turnovers told the tale for the Colorado Christian women, who lost an important conference match-up on the road against Regis University. CCU lost possession of the ball 25 times in the 72-92 loss, and were unable to generate any momentum against a Regis team hungry to avenge their loss to the Cougars 2 short weeks ago.
CCU’s Abby Rosenthal led the Cougar scoring effort once again, putting up 19 points on 7 for 13 shooting. The 6-1 junior also contributed 12 rebounds and 2 steals in the effort.
After keeping the game close for most of the first half, CCU couldn’t stop a 9-0 Regis run at the end of the period that gave the Rangers a 13-point lead going into the break. CCU never recovered from the deficit.
Junior Talmai Aguirre connected on 4 shots taken from beyond the arc for 14 points.
Regis’ Paulina Tuell led all scorers with 26.
The loss moves CCU to 11-11 (7-7 RMAC) on the year. Next up for the Cougars is a 3:30 pm match-up at Metro State in Denver.
Krall’s Big Game Can’t Lift Cougars
February 7, 2009 – Sophomore sensation Jodie Krall logged one of the strongest performances of her young career Friday, but it wasn’t enough to give CCU the edge on the road against University of Colorado – Colorado Springs. (box score)
The 5-6 guard from Solon, IA connected on 4 of 5 shots from downtown en route to a game high 19 points. Krall also battled for 9 rebounds against the Mountain Lions, second only to Cougar senior Abby Rosenthal who pulled down a game best 12 rebounds and scored 17 points – 7 of them coming from the charity stripe.
Though down for most of the first half, CCU never gave up their fight Friday night. The hard-working squad, now famous for their tremendous come-from-behind wins, made the game interesting early in the second stanza. A layup by Ainsley Barratt at the 17 minute mark brought the Cougars to within 2, and a Krall 3-pointer narrowed the margin to 1 with just over 9 minutes left. The host Mountain Lions never relinquished the lead, however, using a late 8-0 run to put the game away (79-65) in front of a sell-out crowd.
With the loss, CCU moves to 7-6 in the RMAC and 11-10 overall. Catch both men’s and women’s teams in action again this Friday at Regis University in Denver. Tipoff for the women is set for 5 pm.
Cougars Stumble at #1 Mines
February 4, 2009 – The CCU women’s basketball team battled the RMAC East Division leading Colorado Mines Orediggers, in addition to a team-wide flu virus Tuesday night, coming out on the short end of a 54-47 (box score) decision to the Diggers at Lockridge Arena in Golden, Colorado.
The shots refused to fall for the weary Cougars, who misfired to the tune of 26% from the field, 30% from beyond the arc, and 53% from the charity stripe.
Despite the incredible offensive woes, the ladies rallied from a 13 point deficit to pull within six late in the contest when Holly Valdez drained a three from the left wing.
That would be as close at the Cougars could manage however, as Mines converted one of two free throws on the next possession and CCU missed the next five shots with time winding down.
Valdez led the way for CCU with 11 points, four rebounds and four assists.
Stephenie Allen chipped in 11 points and seven boards off the bench in the Cougar loss.
CSM’s Brecca Gaffney erupted for 12 points and 11 rebounds in the Oredigger victory.
With the loss, the Cougars fall to 11-9 and 7-5 in the RMAC, while Mines improves their grip on the RMAC East with a 13-7 overall tally and an impressive 10-2 conference mark.
The Cougars are back in action this Saturday as they head to Colorado Springs to battle the UCCS Mountain Lions at 6:00 p.m.
Cougars Rally to Stun Regis 76-71
January 31, 2009—The CCU women’s basketball team rallied from a 17 point first half deficit to post an amazing 76-71 (box score) come from behind win over the Regis Rangers Saturday evening at the CCU Event Center in Lakewood, Colorado.
Talmai Aguirre led the Cougar offensive assault with 29 points, six rebounds and three steals.
Regis came out of the gates on a tear, knocking down five three point bombs in the first eight minutes, and putting CCU in the hole to the tune of 21-4.
Tim Hays’ hardnosed Cougar squad absolutely refused to call it quits however, pulling out an improbable 28-4 run that CCU fans will be talking about for years to come.
The Cougars finally took the lead on a Kelsie Hert layup that gave the hosts a 29-27 lead with 3:11 to play in the opening half.
From that point on, Aguirre and the rest of the ladies kept their foot on the gas, answering every run that the Rangers would make, holding the lead for all but 27 seconds in the second half, and rolling to the five point victory.
Point guard guru, Jodie Krall, erupted for a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, to go with five dimes, one block and one steal in the Cougar win.
CCU’s Hert and Audrey Finley, each tacked on eight points, while combining for 14 rebounds.
Paula Tuell paced the Ranger attack with 24 points and six rebounds on 10-19 shooting.
With the win, CCU improves to 11-8 (7-4 RMAC). The loss drops the Rangers to 10-9 and 7-4 in conference.
CCU is right back in action this Tuesday, as they travel to Golden, Colorado to battle the Colorado Mines Orediggers at 6:00 p.m.
Aguirre’s 19 Sparks Cougars to 71-61 win over Metro State
January 30, 2009—Talmai Aguirre unloaded for 19 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals, leading the CCU women’s basketball team to a 71-61 (box score) victory over the Metro State Roadrunners Friday night at the CCU Event Center in Lakewood, CO.
Freshman standout, Kelsie Hert, scored a double-double for CCU with 10 points and 10 rebounds in the win.
Each team went into the break all knotted up at 34, but it was the Cougars who controlled the action throughout the second half.
Metro took a 36-34 lead on a Megan Sinclair layup to open the half, but an Aguirre three point connection quickly erased any momentum the Runners were building.
The Cougars advanced the lead to as many as eleven points by the six minute mark, when Aguirre drained yet another attempt from distance.
It was all CCU all the time from that point on, as the ladies ran the margin up to 12 points on three separate occasions and eventually cruised to the ten point win.
Sharaya Selsor led the Roadrunners with 18 points on 7-14 shooting, while Sinclair and Rae Bean each chipped in 14 apiece.
Audrey Finley logged 13 points and five boards for CCU, and Jodie Krall chipped in 10 points and three assists.
The victory lifts the Cougars to 10-8 on the season and 6-4 in RMAC play, while Metro falls to 8-10 and 6-4 in conference.
CCU is back in action Saturday evening when the square off against the Regis Rangers at 5:00 p.m.
Kearney Extends Cougar Losing Streak to Three
January 24, 2009—The Nebraska-Kearney Lopers outscored the CCU women’s basketball team by 19 points in the second half, and rolled to a decisive 82-64 (box score) victory over the Cougars Saturday evening in Kearney, Nebraska.
The Cougars led by as many as four points in the first half, before taking a narrow 31-30 lead into intermission.
Coming out in the second half, Kearney was able to rattle off a convincing 10-0 run in only the first three minutes to put the Cougars on their heels.
CCU battled back however, and cut the lead back down to three points on a pair of Abby Rosenthal freebies with 10:40 remaining.
That would be as close as the Cougars would get, as the next six of the next eight possessions resulted in either missed shots or turnovers, and an opportunistic Loper squad was able to forge a 14-4 run that would all but put the game on ice.
Holly Valdez led CCU with 15 points on 7-8 shooting.
Rosenthal tacked on 13 points and six boards in the loss.
UNK’s Jonni Mildenberger handed the Cougars defense their second double-double outing in as many nights, exploding for 25 points, 15 rebounds and five steals.
CCU is back in action this Friday, when they host the Metro State Roadrunners at 6:00 p.m.
Chadron State Stuns Cougars 69-62
January 23, 2009—The Chadron State women’s basketball team held off a second half CCU surge, pulling out a 69-62 (box score) victory over the Cougars Friday night in Chadron, Nebraska.
CCU trailed 36-25 at the half, but came roaring back to take a one point lead (41-40) on a Jodie Krall jumper with 13:25 to go.
Chadron was able to run the margin back up to six over the next two minutes and eventually fend off a host of late CCU runs to hold on for the seven point victory.
CCU’s Abby Rosenthal turned in her eighth double-double of the season with 23 points and 10 rebounds in 29 minutes of action.
Not to be outdone, Chadron’s Sunni Busch turned in a double-double of her own, unleashing for 29 points, 15 rebounds, while dishing out six assists and shooting 11-11 from the free throw line in the win.
The loss drops CCU to 9-7 and 5-3 in conference. Chadron improves to 9-7 and 4-4 in the RMAC.
CCU looks to get back in the win column tomorrow evening as they battle the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers at 8:00 p.m.
Rosenthal Named RMAC Player of the Week for Fifth Time
January 19, 2009—CCU’s 6’1” junior forward Abby Rosenthal, put up all-American type numbers once again this past weekend and has been named RMAC Player of the Week for the fifth time in 10 weeks.
Rosenthal just continues to stuff the stat sheet, finishing one rebound short of a double-double with 11 points, nine boards and an incredible seven blocked shots, despite sitting most of the first half due to foul trouble in a win over Adams State.
Abby returned the next night to dominate the Fort Lewis game, pouring in 16 points, eight rebounds and blocking six shots in a narrow loss to the eleventh ranked Skyhawks.
On the weekend, Rosenthal combined for 27 points, 17 rebounds and an incredible 13 blocked shots, while dishing out seven assists and grabbing three steals.
Rosenthal Named First Team RMAC All-Academic
January 21, 2009—In addition to winning a host of RMAC awards already this season, Abby Rosenthal has been named First Team RMAC All-Academic for 2008-09.
Rosenthal has earned five RMAC Player of the Week awards so far this season, is averaging a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds per outing, and holds a 3.71 GPA in Communications.
Joining Rosenthal is junior guard Talmai Aguirre, who was selected as Second Team All-Academic. Aguirre has earned a 3.31 in Biology, while leading the Cougars in scoring with 17.1 points per game.
Rounding out the list of this year’s award winners is Ainsley Barratt (3.23 – Biology), Jodie Krall (3.31 – Liberal Arts) and Holly Valdez (3.69 – English), who were each honored as RMAC All-Academic Honor Roll members.
Tough Defense Sparks #11 Skyhawks over CCU 65-58
January 17, 2008—A suffocating press and some timely late game baskets helped the #11 Fort Lewis Skyhawks remain unbeaten in RMAC play, as they edged out a 65-58 (box score) victory over the CCU women’s basketball team Saturday evening in Lakewood, Colorado
Laura Haugen led the way for the Skyhawks with 20 points, two assists and three steals.
CCU’s Abby Rosenthal was once again a tough cover for even the best defense, pouring in a team-best 16 points, while inhaling eight rebounds, dishing out two assists and blocking six shots.
The Cougars led by as many as six points early on, and battled through a hard-fought first half that featured five ties and five lead changes, before going into the break trailing by one point (30-31).
Fort Lewis was able to run the advantage up to eight points early in the second period on a pair of free throw shots by Audrey George.
Not to be outdone, CCU answered right back with a 7-0 run that was punctuated by an Ainsley Barratt layup, cutting the deficit back down to only one point with 11:50 on the ticker.
Four minutes later, the Cougars were finally able to knot it all up at 51 each when Jodie Krall found Audrey Finley on the right wing for a three ball that brought the Cougar fans to a frenzy.
The guest Skyhawks kept their composure however, forcing four CCU turnovers and a host of missed shots to run the margin back up to seven with under two minutes remaining.
Krall added 10 points and five assists for CCU, while shooting an effective 4-8 from the field.
The loss drops the Cougars to 9-6 and 5-2 in conference, but the ladies are still in a three way tie with Regis and Metro State for first place in the RMAC East Division.
Fort Lewis improves to 14-1 and 7-0, while extending their winning streak to 11 straight games.
CCU is back in action this Friday when they travel to Chadron, Nebraska to battle the Chadron State Eagles at 6:00 p.m.
Late Game Scoring Spree Lifts Cougars over Adams State
January 16, 2009—The CCU women’s basketball team overcame a six point halftime deficit with a 19-2 second half run, pulling off their seventh win in eight games and securing a 75-64 (box score) win over the Adams State Grizzlies Friday night in Lakewood, Colorado.
CCU’s Abby Rosenthal stuffed the stat sheet once again with 11 points, nine rebounds, five assists and seven blocks.
The Cougars trailed 33-27 after a sloppy first half, but finally found their stride at the nine minute mark, when Meghan Verbitsky buried a three to give CCU a narrow four point advantage.
It was the Audrey Finley and Verbitsky show from that point on, as the two combined for 14 of the next 19 points over an eight minute time span.
The Cougars pushed the lead to as many as 16 points (70-56) with just under two minutes showing, before settling for the 11 point win.
Finley finished with 18 points on 6-11 shooting, while pulling in six boards in the victory.
Verbitsky added six clutch points off the bench, while shooting a nifty 2-3 from beyond the arc.
Talmai Aguirre chipped in 15 points, and Jodie Krall capped off the balanced effort with 13 points, six rebounds, and four assists, including some strong drives to the rim.
Misti Solomon led the way for the Grizzlies with a game-best 20 points, while shooting 5-11 from the field and 8-8 from the charity stripe.
With the victory, CCU improves to 9-5 overall and 5-1 in the RMAC, while Adams drops to 6-8 and 2-4 in conference.
The Cougars are back in action tomorrow evening when they host #11 Fort Lewis at 5:00 p.m.
Rosenthal Earns Fourth RMAC Player of the Week Nod
January 12, 2009—Abby Rosenthal, CCU’s 6’1” powerhouse in the paint, has been named RMAC East Division Player of the Week for the fourth time this season.
Rosenthal helped the Cougars pick up two tough road wins this past weekend, as the Cougars scored a 70-68 win over CSU-Pueblo and an 84-49 victory over New Mexico Highlands.
Abby fell one rebound short of a double-double with 20 points and nine boards at Pueblo, before collecting her seventh double-double of the year with 13 points and 15 rebounds in the Highlands win.
On the weekend, Rosenthal shot a solid 16-31 from the field, while combining for 33 points, 24 rebounds, three blocks, three steals and three assists.
Aguirre Catches Fire, Cougars Upend Highlands 84-49
January 10, 2009—Talmai Aguirre was lights out for the Cougars Saturday night, as the junior guard caught fire to the tune of 29 points on 10-15 shooting, while leading the CCU women’s basketball team to an easy 84-49 (box score) win over the New Mexico Highlands Cowgirls in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
The Cougars led from beginning to end, taking a 40-20 lead into the half and increasing the margin to as many as 42 points in the second half.
It was yet another dominating double-double display for Abby Rosenthal, who turned in 13 points to go with a game-high 15 rebounds in the Cougar win.
The ladies posted one of their better shooting performances of the year with a 47% effort from the field and an impressive 50% display from beyond the arc.
Once again, the Cougars out-muscled their opponents on the glass, this time holding an overwhelming 61-38 rebounding advantage.
The win improves CCU to 4-1 in conference play and into a three-way tie for first place in the RMAC East Division.
CCU is back in action this Friday when they host the Adams State Grizzlies at 6:00 p.m.
Powerful Post Play Propels Cougars to 70-68 win over CSU-Pueblo
January 9, 2009—Strong CCU post play set the tone once again, as the Cougars out-dueled the CSU-Pueblo Thunderwolves 50-20 in the paint and edged out an important 70-68 (box score) road victory Friday night in Pueblo, Colorado.
6-1 forward Abby Rosenthal, was her usual self, pouring in 20 points on a nifty 10-17 shooting display, while gobbling up nine rebounds, blocking three shots and snagging three steals in the CCU win.
Freshman post Kelsie Hert, added to her impressive freshman campaign with six rebounds and 14 points, while shooting 70% from the field.
CCU led 35-31 at intermission, but had trouble containing a talented Pueblo team that forced six ties and four lead changes in a hard-fought second stanza.
The Cougars showed the trademark discipline and mental toughness that has characterized the 2008-09 squad, battling back from a four point deficit with four minutes to go and pulling ahead for good on a Holly Valdez trey with two minutes showing.
Rosenthal made it a four point margin on a lob pass from Jodie Krall with 20 seconds to play, and the Cougars held on for the one point decision after Pueblo’s Michelle Ambuul canned a contested three with time running down.
Krall finished with six points and five dimes, while Ainsley Barratt chipped in seven points and nine rebounds.
Ambuul led all scorers with 29 points to go with seven rebounds.
CCU out-rebounded Pueblo 51-40 and notched 19 second-chance points.
With the victory, CCU improves to 7-5 on the season and 3-1 in the RMAC. The Thunderwolves fall to 8-4 overall and 2-2 in conference.
The Cougars are right back at it tomorrow evening when they square off against the New Mexico Highlands Cowgirls at 6:00 p.m.
Mustangs No Match for Balanced Cougar Attack
December 18, 2008—Six players logged double digit scoring for the CCU women’s basketball team, as the Cougars pulled out a 95-89 (box score) victory over the Western New Mexico Mustangs Thursday night in Lakewood, Colorado.
It was more of the same for the suddenly un-guardable Abby Rosenthal, who turned in an almost routine 26 points and 17 rebounds, while blocking three shots and posting three steals in the six point Cougar win.
Talmai Aguirre erupted for 16 points and 10 rebounds, while dishing out three assists and hitting some clutch free throws down the stretch.
CCU trailed only once in the entire first half, and took a 44-40 lead into intermission after leading by as many as eight points on three occasions.
It was a different story after the break, as the Mustangs galloped back to pull ahead 56-54 on a Krystal Davis three-ball with 15:20 showing.
Western remained in control for almost the entire second half, leading by as many as eight points before CCU was able to manage one final run with the clock winding down.
Trailing 82-87 with just over three minutes to go, the Cougars out-willed the Mustangs 7-2 over a two minute span to pull ahead 89-88 on an Aguirre free throw with 1:04 left.
Aguirre followed up a Western three-point miss on the other end with two more free throws to give the ladies a narrow three point cushion.
CCU’s Ainsley Barratt then turned into a one man show, forcing a turnover on the Western inbound pass, drawing a foul and converting one of two attempts at the charity stripe to all but seal the contest as the Cougars moved to their sixth win of the year.
Barratt finished with 17 points and Holly Valdez tacked on 11 points and a game-best seven assists.
Jodie Krall posted 10 points and six dimes for a Cougar team that erupted for 19 assists on 33 field goals.
Freshman standout, Kelsie Hert, rounded out the Cougar scoring bonanza with 14 points on a nifty 6-9 shooting display.
Western’s Brandi Harris poured in a game-high 27 points while grabbing four rebounds in the Mustang loss.
With the victory, CCU moves to 6-5 on the year and 2-1 in RMAC action. Western falls to 2-7 and 0-2 in conference play.
The Cougars are back in action on January 9, when they travel to CSU-Pueblo to battle the Thunderwolves at 6:00 p.m.
Tina Redmond Named to RMAC All-Century Team
December 18, 2008—Tina Redmond, a former standout for the CCU women’s basketball team from 1997-2001 was recently named to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference All-Century Team.
Redmond, a transfer from Iowa State University, earned All-American recognition for the Cougars in 2001, was a two-time All-RMAC First Team selection and was the only Division II player voted to the 2000 Denver Post All-Colorado Team.
Tina held a career average of 19.3 points per game and ranks first place in the Cougar record books in career steals and three-point field goals made.
Arguably the best female athlete to attend CCU, Redmond was also a three-time softball All-American at nearby Arvada West High School and is a member of the AWHS Hall of Fame.
The top-12 players and best head coach in RMAC women’s basketball history have been selected to help celebrate the RMAC’s 100th anniversary in 2009.
The RMAC’s All-Time Women’s Basketball Team was selected by representatives from the conference’s schools that participate in the sport of women’s basketball.
Regis grad Diana Lopez, the only student-athlete in women's basketball to be named Player of the Year three times, was voted the All-Time Top Player in RMAC history.
The RMAC All-Time Top Coach is Amy Stephens, who led Nebraska-Kearney to seven straight NCAA playoff appearances. Stephens is now the head coach at NCAA Division I Drake University.
As part of the Centennial Celebration, all-time teams are being selected in 19 RMAC sports. The RMAC's Centennial Celebration will take place on July 11, 2009 at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs.
Rosenthal Earns Third RMAC Player of the Week Nod in Five Weeks
December 15, 2008—CCU’s Abby Rosenthal added yet another award to her already impressive early season resume, earning her third RMAC Player of the Week nod in only five weeks.
Abby is fresh off another dominating performance in the paint this past weekend, as the 6’1” forward posted nine boards, three blocks, one assist and six points in a loss at Western State on Friday night. Rosenthal then erupted for 26 points, 15 rebounds, two steals, three assists and one block in a convincing 81-72 win at Mesa State.
In ten games, Rosenthal is averaging 13 points and 11 rebounds, while ranking first place in the RMAC in both rebounds and blocked shots.
Another Strong Second Half Propels Cougars to Victory
December 14, 2008—Abby Rosenthal and the CCU women’s basketball team followed a familiar path to victory, as the 6’1” junior post caught fire for 26 points and 15 rebounds and the Cougars posted a late game rally to roll past the Mesa State Mavericks 81-72 (box score) Sunday afternoon in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Holly Valdez tacked on 20 points, six assists and five steals in the Cougar win.
The Cougars shot a meager 28% (8-28) from the field in the opening stanza, including a chilly 0-7 effort from distance. Despite trailing by as many 11 points early on, CCU was able to post a 17-7 run over an eight minute time span to pull within a single digit late in the first half.
CCU fought through one lead change and two ties to begin the second, before eventually nabbing the lead for good on a Jodie Krall layup with eight minutes showing.
Mesa’s Erin Richardson led the way for the hosts with 23 points and three rebounds.
Today’s game marks the fourth time in five wins that the ladies have earned a victory despite trialing at intermission.
Rosenthal’s 26 points and 15 rebounds marks her fifth double-double in 10 contests for 2008.
The Cougars improve to 5-5 (1-1 RMAC) on the season, and now gear up to host the Western New Mexico Mustangs this Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m.
Western Outguns Cougars 90-80 in RMAC Opener
December 12, 2008—Four players logged double-digit scoring for Western State, as the Mountaineers pulled out a 90-80 (box score) victory over the CCU women’s basketball team in the conference opener for both teams Friday night in Gunnison, Colorado.
Brooke Pendergraft led the way for Western, notching 18 points and 12 boards while shooting 7-15 from the field.
The Cougars fell behind early in the first half, and couldn’t get anything going for the majority of the evening, trailing 43-49 at the break and ultimately giving up the ten point decision.
Talmai Aguirre once again led all scorers with 26 points on 8-18 shooting, while Jodie Krall logged 10 points, six rebounds and three dimes in the setback.
With the loss, CCU falls to 4-5 on the season and 0-1 in the RMAC. Western State improves to 5-4 and 1-0 in conference.
CCU is back in action this Sunday, as they battle the Mesa State Mavericks at 2:00 p.m. in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Rosenthal Grabs Second RMAC Player of the Week Award
December 8, 2008—CCU’s 6’1” forward, Abby Rosenthal, was a monster in the paint once again, leading the Cougars to a sweep at the Regis University Classic over Grand Canyon University and Northwest Nazarene, en-route to her second RMAC Player of the Week Award in less than a month.
In game one against Grand Canyon, Abby gobbled up 13 rebounds to go along with two blocks, eight points and one assist while shooting a perfect 4-4 at the free throw line.
Game two featured Rosenthal rallying the Cougars from a 26 point second half deficit, and finishing the contest with 29 points and 15 rebounds to post her fourth double-double in eight games.
Over the weekend, Abby shot 14-24 (58%) while collecting 28 rebounds and tallying 37 points.
On the year Rosenthal is averaging 12 points and 11 boards per outing, while shooting 45% from the floor.
Rosenthal Rallies Cougars from 26 Down to Shock Northwest Nazarene
December 6, 2008—Abby Rosenthal had a night to remember for the CCU women’s basketball team, as the 6’1” forward unleashed for 29 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Cougars to a 76-73 (box score) victory over Northwest Nazarene Saturday afternoon at the Regis Classic in Denver, Colorado.
The Cougars got off to a forgettable start, falling behind 27-51 heading into the half.
Following another easy Northwest layup to open the second period, the Cougars then mounted one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the university.
The newly revamped CCU defense went into lockdown mode, holding the Crusaders to only 10 points over the next fifteen minutes. On the other end of the floor, the offense was going wild, scoring 36 points over the same span and eventually knotting the contest up at 63 each on a Talmai Aguirre layup with 5:26 remaining.
CCU snagged the lead for good (74-73) on a fast break bucket by Rosenthal with just over a minute remaining, and held the Crusaders scoreless for the remainder of the contest to seal the unprecedented victory.
Ainsley Barratt had a first-class night of her own, pouring in 18 points on 6-9 shooting, while gathering seven rebounds for the Cougars.
On the offensive end, the Cougars shot 65% from the field in the second half, including a blistering 50% effort from the land of plenty. Defensively, the ladies held a usually potent Northwest team to only a 26% shooting effort in the second stanza.
Lindsay Brady paced the Crusaders with a team-best 23 points and seven rebounds in the loss.
With the victory, the Cougars sweep the weekend action at Regis and improve to 4-4 on the young season. Northwest Nazarene drops to 5-3 overall.
CCU women’s basketball is the hottest thing going right now, and the ladies will be back in action this Friday as they tip-off the RMAC regular season in Gunnison, Colorado against the Western State Mountaineers at 6:00 p.m.
Aguirre’s 29 Sparks Cougars over Grand Canyon
December 5, 2008—CCU’s sharpshooting junior guard Talmai Aguirre, set the night on fire with 29 points and six rebounds to lead the CCU women’s basketball team to a 69-61 (box score) victory over Grand Canyon University Friday night at the Regis Classic in Denver, Colorado.
Stacy Haddow led the way for GCU with 16 points and nine boards, while shooting an efficient 6-12 from the floor in the loss.
The Cougars trailed 24-30 at the half, but came roaring out of the break to pull ahead by two points (37-35) on an Aguirre trey with 13:50 remaining.
Each team battled through a total of nine ties and lead changes over the next 11 minutes, before Aguirre put the contest in the bag by rattling off 11 straight points down the stretch, as the Cougars cruised to the eight point win and their third victory of the year.
Point guard extraordinaire, Jodie Krall, chipped in nine points, while dishing out a team-best five assists in the Cougar win, while Abby Rosenthal gobbled up a game-high 13 rebounds.
With the win, CCU improves to 3-4 on the season and Grand Canyon falls to 3-2 overall.
The Cougars are back in action tomorrow afternoon when they face Northwest Nazarene at 2:00 p.m.
Cougars Add Four Top Recruits for Next Season
December 2, 2008—The CCU women’s basketball team is proud to announce the signing of four highly prized recruits, Melissa McDermott, Allison McReynolds, Marissa Nelson and Breann McBeth, who will be joining the Cougars for the 2009-2010 season.
Head Coach Tim Hays stated that, “this is probably the best class of early signees in the program’s history. We are one step closer to becoming a team that can compete consistently in the top half of this league."
Adding some depth in the post for next season will be 6’2” Melissa McDermott from Flower Mound, Texas. Academically, McDermott is a member of the National Honor Society, holds a 3.9 GPA, and ranks in the top 10% of her senior class of 658 students.
On the court, Melissa has been a four year starter at her 5A Texas High School, averages eight points, six rebounds and two blocks per game and set the school record for career blocks mid-way through her junior season. She has also earned league defensive player of the year and all-district awards as a sophomore and a junior.
“Melissa is first and foremost an incredible person and team player. She is going to be a defensive stopper in the post for us,” noted Hays. “With her length and athleticism we will be able to match up better with the bigger posts in the league. She is exceptionally mature for her age and will be an immediate impact player for us. She was highly recruited by Division I and Division II schools and is a major signing for us.”
Joining McDermott in the paint next season will be 5’11” Allison McReynolds from Sulphur High School in Sulphur, Louisiana. McReynolds has played varsity for her 5A school since her freshman season, and has helped the Lady Tors to the state playoffs in each of the last three years. Allison leads the team in scoring and also shoots a team-best 93% from the free throw line.
In the classroom, Allison maintains a 3.9 GPA, is actively involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and is a member of the National Honor Society.
“Allison is an example of the ideal player for our program,” said Hays. “A highly recruited forward who can shoot, rebound and is a blue collar player. She chose to turn down a Division I offer to play in a Christian environment; we are excited about her all around ability to contribute to our program."
A 5’5” point guard from El Diamante High School in Visalia, California, Marissa Nelson will add additional ball handling and scoring abilities to the Cougar backcourt. Averaging eight points and three assists per game, Nelson is a four year varsity letter winner, and was named to the West Yosemite League Second Team in 2007-08.
Academically, Nelson has been a four year honor roll and academic letter winner, while being recognized by the California Scholastic Federation for her success in the classroom for four consecutive years.
“Marissa, is a very highly skilled player who can distribute and score from the point position. She is also a very tough, hard nosed defender and will challenge ball handlers the full length of the court. She is a blue collar worker who will challenge for minutes as a freshman," added Hays.
Rounding out the list of incoming talent is local standout Breann McBeth from Faith Christian High School in Arvada, Colorado. McBeth is averaging 14 points and four rebounds per game for the Eagles, including a career-best 24 point explosion against Holy Family this past February.
Breann has been on the honor roll at Faith Christian for the past three years, and was nominated for President of the National Honor Society.
“Bre will be a foundational player for our team. She has an incredible work ethic and brings intensity and focus to both sides of the floor. She has been a leader in a very strong high school program and possesses the unselfishness to play whatever role is necessary to see the team succeed. She will no doubt make an immediate impact on the work ethic and focus of this team."
Second Chance Points, Turnovers Lift Barry over Cougars 61-55
November 29, 2008—The Barry University Buccaneers moved to 5-0 on the season, forcing 26 Cougar turnovers and holding a 20-5 advantage on the offensive glass to post a 61-55 (box score) victory over the CCU women’s basketball team Saturday night in Lakewood, Colorado.
Barry’s Mariesa Greene led all players with 14 points on 5-8 shooting, while grabbing eight rebounds in the victory.
Barry poured in 17 second chance points to CCU’s three, and converted 30 points in the paint while holding CCU to only 18.
The Cougars played from behind for the majority of the contest, but rallied to pull ahead by one point (34-33) early in the second half on a Talmai Aguirre three-ball.
The guests pushed the lead back up to 11 on multiple occasions, and eventually held off another late CCU charge to pull out the six point victory.
Abby Rosenthal and Talmai Aguirre each logged 12 points in the CCU loss.
The Cougars are back at it next Friday when they battle Grand Canyon University in game one of the Regis Holiday Classic. Game time is slated for 4:00 p.m.
Cougars Cage Bulldogs 73-65 on Day One of Thanksgiving Classic
November 28, 2008—CCU’s Audrey Finley ignited for 19 points on 5-7 shooting, while grabbing six boards and shooting a perfect 8-8 from the free throw line to lead the CCU women’s basketball team to a 73-65 (box score) win over the Southwestern Oklahoma State Bulldogs Friday evening on day one of the CCU Thanksgiving Classic.
Lucy Ramon and Jennifer DeGarmo each chipped in 16 points and four rebounds for a Southwestern team that shot 38% from the field and a chilly 38% from the charity stripe.
The Cougars held a narrow 29-27 lead at the break, but pushed the lead to as many as 13 points midway through the second stanza on a Stephenie Allen jumper.
A handful of three point connections combined with a Ramon layup, capped a 12-3 run by Southwestern; putting the Bulldogs within four points with eight minutes to go.
CCU inched the lead back up to nine points with a 7-2 run that was punctuated by a Finley fast break layup with seven minutes showing.
The Bulldogs would just keep coming however, and eventually climbed to within a single digit by the three minute mark.
That would be as close as the guests would get, as the Cougars converted 15-18 free throw attempts down the stretch to secure the eight point victory
Abby Rosenthal led all-players with a game-best 12 rebounds in the Cougar win.
Talmai Aguirre tacked on 19 points, four assists and four rebounds for CCU.
The Cougars are back in action tomorrow evening as they square off against Barry University at 6:00 p.m.
Cougar Offense Ice-Cold on Second Day in Anchorage
November 21, 2008—The CCU women’s basketball team shot a frigid 13-50 (26%) from the field and only connected on 8-19 (42%) free throw attempts in a disappointing 63-38 (box score) setback to #5 Alaska-Anchorage.
Abby Rosenthal led the way for CCU with a team-best 11 points and eight rebounds.
CCU was outworked 39-32 on the boards, received only 12 points from the bench and made only four three point attempts on the evening.
Jodie Krall added three points, six rebounds and five assists in the loss.
The Cougars now return to the friendly confines of the CCU Event Center, where they will open the home schedule against Southwest Oklahoma State at 6:00 p.m. this Friday.
#5 Seawolves Barely Escape Cougar Upset Bid 55-54
November 20, 2008—One of the toughest road trips of the season didn’t intimidate the determined CCU women’s basketball team Thursday night, as a fiery Cougar squad took the nation’s fifth ranked Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves to the wire in a 55-54 (box score) loss in Anchorage, Alaska.
Talmai Aguirre led the way for the Cougars with 19 points on 7-16 shooting to go along with six rebounds in a full 40 minutes of action.
CCU had three chances in the final possession to knock down the game winning bucket, but the iron proved to be unkind for the Cougars with time running down as the top-ranked Seawolves dodged a bullet and escaped with the one point decision.
Once again, Tim Hays’ finely tuned Cougars came out firing on all cylinders, as the guests pulled ahead by five points (24-19) midway through the opening half on an Ainsley Barratt layup.
Despite connecting on only one first half long distance attempt and shooting a chilly 54% from the freebie stitch, the ladies were able to take a 29-25 lead into intermission.
Coming out of the halftime talk, Anchorage jumped ahead 30-29 on a Taylor Kiki lay-in, but CCU’s Jodie Krall answered right back on the ensuing possession with a layup of her own to reclaim the lead for the Cougars.
Each team found themselves in a sea-saw battle, neither able to gain more than a four point advantage through the majority of the second half.
The hosts looked to be pulling away with 3:17 remaining, when Dasha Basova rattled in a three point attempt to put the Seawolves in front 54-49.
CCU just kept coming however, as Abby Rosenthal drained a pair of free throws and Aguirre canned a trey to knot the contest up at 54 each with 2:24 showing.
A Kiki free throw ten seconds later put Anchorage on top 55-54, and with the final minute ticking away, the Cougars went ice-cold, unable to connect on a pair of free throws and three jumpers that would have been game winners.
Rosenthal added her third straight double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds in the CCU loss.
The Cougars finished with 26 turnovers on the evening, but out-muscled Anchorage 46-29 on the glass. The ladies also converted 5-10 three point attempts in the second half.
CCU won’t have to wait long for the rematch, as each team hits the floor once again for the encore performance Friday night at 7:00 p.m. local time.
Rosenthal Named RMAC Player of the Week
November 17, 2008—CCU’s 6’1” forward, Abby Rosenthal, has been named RMAC Player of the Week for November 17.
Rosenthal averaged 13.0 points and 12.5 rebounds this past weekend, as the ladies went 1-1 in the first two games of the season.
On Friday, in a 62-59 overtime win over Wayne State, Abby exploded for 14 points and 13 rebounds, before capping off the weekend with her second double-double in as many games with a 12 point, 12 rebound effort in a 59-63 loss to Northern State.
Rosenthal totaled five steals, three blocks and three assists over the two games, while shooting 40 percent from the floor.
Northern State Edges Cougars 63-59 in Tip-Off Finale
November 16, 2008—Jenna Higgins logged 16 points and nine rebounds to lead the Northern State Wolves to a narrow 63-59 (box score) victory over the CCU women’s basketball team in the final day of action at the Colorado Mines Tip-Off Classic in Golden, Colorado.
CCU’s Abby Rosenthal notched her second straight double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, while finding the time to post a game-best four steals in the Cougar loss.
The Cougars led by as many as four points in the first half, before taking a 26-26 tie into intermission.
Northern scored the first four points of the second half, and pulled ahead by as many as seven on a Jodi Reinschmidt layup at the seven minute mark.
CCU whittled the deficit back down to one point when Talmai Aguirre drained a three with 55 seconds remaining, but with time running down the Wolves converted 6-6 free throw attempts down the stretch to pull out the four point decision.
Aguirre once again finished with a game-high 21 points on 8-16 shooting, while Audrey Finley tacked on 11 points and three assist for CCU.
CCU’s early season struggles from the charity stripe continued, as the ladies were only able to cash in on 8-14 attempts (57%). The Cougars shot 39% from the field on the evening and found themselves on the wrong end of a 44-30 rebounding disparity.
Next up for the Cougars is a trip to Anchorage, Alaska where the ladies will look to get back in the win column against the nation’s #5 ranked Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves this Thursday at 7:00 p.m.
Cougars Outgun Wayne State in OT Thriller
November 15, 2008—The Tim Hays era got off to a strong start Saturday night, as the new-look Cougars outgunned a very tough Wayne State team to pull out a 62-59 (box score) overtime victory in the season opener for both teams in the Colorado Mines Tipoff Classic in Golden, Colorado.
In his first game as head coach for the Cougars, Hays was treated to a double-double performance by 6’1” junior post, Abby Rosenthal, who erupted for 14 points and 13 rebounds, while posting two blocks and dishing out three assists in the CCU win.
Despite trailing 19-26 at the half and missing several wide open layups to begin the second stanza, the Cougars battled back to take a two point lead (37-35) at the 13 minute mark on a Talmai Aguirre three ball.
Each team traded narrow leads over the next 10 minutes, until Wayne pulled ahead by five points on a Laquisha Cook jumper with just under three minutes remaining.
Jodie Krall was the Cougar hero for the final minute of play, cutting the Cougar deficit to three on a pair of free throws, before knotting the contest up at 53 each on a trey from the deep left corner with only 29 ticks on the clock.
The Wildcats answered right back when a CCU defensive miscue left Wayne’s Jodie Boss wide open under the net for an easy layup.
With time running down, Krall pushed the ball up the floor and found Aguirre on the wing. Aguirre drove to the paint and knocked down the game tying J with five seconds showing to cap the Cougar comeback and force the extended period.
CCU got on the board first in the OT, when Ainsley Barratt canned one of two free throws to give the ladies an uncomfortable 56-55 advantage.
The Cougars weathered four ties in the final five, never relinquished the lead and eventually pulled ahead by three points on a Kelsie Hert free throw with 15 seconds left.
Aguirre led all scorers with 22 points, while chipping in eight rebounds and three assists.
Krall dished out five assists for the Cougars and Hert added seven points and eight rebounds in the win.
The ladies are back in action tomorrow afternoon as they take on the Northern State Wolves at 2:00 p.m.
Tune in Live as Cougars Battle CSU Rams
November 5, 2008—Don’t miss a minute of the action this Friday night, as the CCU women’s basketball team opens up the exhibition season at 7:00 p.m. against the Colorado State University Rams!
Click here to follow all of the action live, as first-year head coach Tim Hays guides the Cougars into battle against some formidable competition in the Division I Rams.
Hays has this year’s Cougars looking better than ever, while playing some lock-down defense and setting their sights on a breakout season that will put the ladies among the RMAC elite.
Basketball season is here once again! Jump on board and support the ladies as they gear up for another exciting season of NCAA Hoops.
Aguirre Named Pre-season First Team All-RMAC
September 25, 2008—Talmai Aguirre, CCU’s high-scoring junior guard from Silver City, New Mexico, has been recently named to the 2008-2009 All-RMAC Pre-season First Team.
Aguirre, the 2006 RMAC Freshman of the Year, averaged a team-best 16.5 points per game as a sophomore, while racking up 60 steals and canning 91 long distance attempts last season.
Joining Aguirre on the Pre-season All-RMAC list is Paulina Tuell of Regis, Jade Meads of Nebraska-Kearney, Laura Hagen of Fort Lewis, and the RMAC Pre-season Player of the Year, Allison Rosel, also from Fort Lewis.
The Cougars are fresh off their first conference post-season appearance in seven years and are selected to finish sixth place in the RMAC East Division.
B2 Networks to Provide Live Video for Fall and Winter Sports
August 25, 2008—The Cougar Athletic Department is proud to announce that B2 Networks will be providing live internet video streaming for men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball home games for the 2008-09 season.
In addition to CCU games, hundreds of Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference contests will be available to watch via the B2 Networks starting on August 29. Fans will be able to purchase games on a pay-per-view basis or via a season pass.
Individual game passes are only $7.00. School all access passes will be $79.95 and will include all available RMAC games for one sport at CCU, both home and away.
For only $125.00, fans can purchase a school all access pass, which will feature access to all available RMAC events which CCU competes in, for soccer, volleyball and basketball, home and away.
For the B2 Networks’ programming guide visit http://www.b2tv.com/, or for information about B2 Networks, visit http://www.b2now.com/
Lisa Parker Passes Away Following Illness
June 23, 2008—Lisa Parker, former CCU women’s basketball coach and athletic director, passed away the morning of June 20 following a long battle with cancer.
A graduate of Midwestern State University (1987), Parker joined CCU in 1996 as the head women’s basketball coach, where she led the Cougars to some of their most successful seasons in program history.
Under Parker’s tutelage, the Cougars broke over 30 team and individual records, including most wins and best conference finish, while graduating a pair of all-Americans and three athletes who continued their careers professionally overseas.
In December of 1999, Lisa took on the additional duties of CCU Athletic Director, before departing for Division I Boise State in June of 2003.
At Boise State, Parker oversaw all areas of student welfare, including eligibility and compliance coordination, sports programs and academic and support services.
The Boise State athletic department, along with the Bronco Athletic Association, has established the Lisa G. Parker Scholarship Endowment. Individuals wishing to make contributions to the scholarship fund should contact the BAA at (208) 426-3556.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday (June 26) beginning at 3:00 p.m. in Taco Bell Arena on the Boise State campus.
Tim Hays takes the Helm of CCU Women’s Basketball
June 12, 2008—The CCU Athletic Department is pleased to announce the hiring of Tim Hays, a native of LA Grande, Oregon, who will be taking the helm of the women’s basketball program for the 2008-09 season.
Coach Hays brings a tremendous amount of coaching experience to his new position with the Cougars, both as a coach at the NCAA level, and professionally overseas.
In 2006 Hays took over the Launceston Tornadoes, a team that had finished last in Australia’s Premier professional winter league the SEABL (South East Australia Basketball League). In one short year under Hays’ tutelage, the Tornadoes were the most improved team in the league, finishing fifth overall.
As of 2008, the team has skyrocketed to a stellar 14-2 record, a #1 national ranking, and are currently on pace for an ABA (Australian Basketball Association) National Championship appearance.
Prior to coaching professionally, Tim was an assistant coach at NCAA Division I Montana State University, and spent three years coaching high school level boys and girls teams.
In addition to his team coaching experience, Tim has individually mentored and coached players at every level including WNBA, NBA, and other top level international and college players. He has also directed and coached camps and clinics all over the country.
As a college athlete, Coach Hays competed at Boise State University from 1998-00, where he was a member of a top-25 team that led the nation in points per game allowed and won a regular season Big West Championship. Hays also competed at Northwest Nazarene University from 2000-02, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s of science degree.
Away from coaching Tim has been heavily involved in ministry. For two years he directed the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for Idaho and Utah. He also worked for his local church in Boise, Idaho for two years.
Cougars Bolster Recruiting Class with Four Newcomers
May 19, 2008—The CCU women’s basketball team recently announced the signing of Stephenie Allen, Kelsie Hert, Olivia Schreiber and Morgan Tyler for 2008-09.
As a senior at Pueblo West, 6'0" Stephenie Allen led the Cyclones to a sweet sixteen berth; posting an impressive 17 points and eight rebounds per game, while being voted First Team All South Central League.
Allen currently holds the record at PWHS with 426 single-season points, 207 single-season rebounds and will be graduating this May with a 3.83 GPA.
“Stephenie will be a strong inside presence for us next year. Even as a freshman, she has the ability to step in and begin contributing right away,” noted women’s assistant, Nikki Long.
Standing 6'1", Kelsie Hert is coming off a stellar senior campaign for the Glenwood Springs Demons, during which she averaged 12 points and six rebounds per outing.
Kelsie helped GSHS to the 4A state quarterfinals and capped off her stellar high school career with a Western Slope All-Conference selection.
Hert will be graduating this May with a 3.86 GPA.
“At 6’1”, Kelsie has the size to play inside and the athletic ability to step out and be effective from the perimeter. Her combination of character and ability will be a tremendous asset to CCU,” added coach Long.
Schreiber, a 5’8” guard out of Forney, Texas, averaged eight points, five rebounds and three assists per game at Forney High School, while maintaining a 3.57 GPA.
Tyler will be joining the Cougars from Hanover High School in Colorado Springs, where she posted 10 points and five rebounds per outing for the Hornets, and completed her senior year with an impressive 4.0 GPA.
Jodie Krall
Women's Basketball
Why CCU?
I knew immediately after I visited, played with the CCU Women’s Basketball team, and met students around campus that this was the place God wanted me to be. Everyone here was so uplifting and welcoming that it made my ...
