Colorado State University Athletics
Colorado State
6-4
South Dakota
8-6
Women's basketball recap: Rams trip Coyotes, 68-53
12/20/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 20, 2010
By Amanda Nutting
Athletic Media Relations
FORT COLLINS, Colo.— The Colorado State women’s basketball team broke its two-game losing streak as it defeated South Dakota, 68-53, Monday afternoon in front of a crowd of 1,144 at Moby Arena.
After a hard week of practice, focusing predominantly on defense, the Rams came out full-throttle, grabbing a combined 36 rebounds, creating 13 turnovers and snatching six steals. Senior Sara Hemmings’ defense was a highlight for the Rams as she alone seized three steals.
“I felt we were really good defensively and we really followed the game plan,” said Head Coach Kristen Holt. “The game plan we started and played most of the day with was really focused.”
The Rams’ defense was able to hold South Dakota star center Jodie Boss to a minimum on the day. Boss, who has already snagged 49 blocks on the season, was held to only three points, three rebounds and no blocked shots.
Three Rams scored in double digits as they took down the Coyotes. Freshman Sam Martin, who shot 80.0 percent from the floor, led the team with 24 points. Fellow freshman Amber Makeever had 10 points, nine of which came from beyond the three-point arc. Junior Kim Mestdagh ended the game with 15 points after a late-game surge earned her a trip to the charity stripe 10 times, and she knocked down eight shots. Mestdagh also grabbed nine rebounds, one shy of a double-double, and recorded a team high six assists.
The Rams dominated the Coyotes from the free throw line, recording 75.0 percent from the stripe compared to USD’s 38.1 percent.
“We worked the ball well and we found our best shot,” said Martin.
Colorado State also notched 18 assists on 21 made baskets while South Dakota was held to only seven assists on 20 made baskets.
“What they do during practice that week determines what I’ll have them do on the game,” said Holt of the Rams’ hard work. “The eight kids that played did a great job.”
Of the eight players, junior transfer Kelly Hartig made her debut for the Rams and played 12 minutes despite an ankle injury.
The Rams take a short break before they prepare to travel to the East Coast to take on Western Carolina in Cullowhee, N.C., and Winthrop in Rock Hill, S.C., before the end of the year. They return to Moby Arena for a 5 p.m. game with Pepperdine on Jan. 2.
