The University of the Southwest Women's Basketball Team took a road trip to Arizona this past week to take on Benedictine University Mesa and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. They took on Benedictine on Tuesday night and then played Embry-Riddle on Wednesday Night. The Mustangs entered the week at (0-2) after two tight losses to Northern New Mexico in the week prior. 
 
On Tuesday Night they faced a Benedictine team that entered the contest (1-0) after a 107-60 defeat of Ottawa (AZ) the week prior. The Mustangs kept pace through the first quarter trailing 20-14 after one, but the RedHawks were able to create some separation in the second quarter outscoring the Mustangs 34-20 and taking a 54-34 lead to the half. USW wasn't able to pull any closer in the second half and dropped the contest 87-56. The Mustangs were able to keep the RedHawks in check shooting the ball allowing just a 39.5% field goal percentage but they outshot the Mustangs 81 to 57 in field goal attempts. Turnovers and offensive rebounds created more opportunities for Benedictine and they were able to take advantage. In the Contest, Harlei Haceesa did her best to keep the Mustangs close. She had an impressive performance with 22 points on 9-11 shooting, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists. Regarding Harlei's performance Head Coach Michael Dominguez said "Harlei had a great offensive showcase, scoring all of her points without hitting a 3 point shot. She repeatedly scored in the low post, scoring on a variety of great post moves. Overall, we struggled as a team to score the ball but Harlei shined." 
 
On Wednesday night, they took on an Embry-Riddle team that entered the contest (1-3). The game was tight for most of the contest with Embry Riddle taking a 48-45 lead to the fourth quarter. The Eagles of Embry-Riddle were able to pull away from the Mustangs in the fourth quarter, outscoring us 22-12 and winning the contest 70-57. In the Contest, Isabel Rodriguez put up a double-double with 12 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists. Harlei Haceesa and Rya Elizondo both put up 14 points for the Mustangs, but it wasn't quite enough to earn the victory.
 
The Mustangs will turn their sights to their next contest, which will be an exhibition against Abilene Christian University on Tuesday Night in Abilene. This will be a good experience and another tough test for the Mustangs as they look for their first victory of the year.