HOBBS, NM – The University of the Southwest Women's Basketball began conference play this past week against two teams from Louisiana. The Lady Mustangs fell in both home contests to Louisiana Christian on Thursday and Xavier on Saturday.
 
Louisiana Christian
 
The Wildcats of Louisiana Christian University (LCU) (3-4, 1-1 RRAC) came into the matchup looking to bounce back after a loss in their first conference game to Xavier (LA.). The Lady Mustangs (2-5, 0-1 RRAC) aimed to get out on the right foot with the start of conference play in the RRAC. 
 
USW started off strong with an 18-16 lead after the first quarter, but the Wildcats answered back with a 19-7 second quarter, making it 35-25 at the half. LCU would maintain the lead after the third quarter, 52-39. A great showing in the fourth quarter from the Lady Mustangs pulled the game tight, but LCU was able to hold on for a 69-65 win. 
 
Junior Tamaria White led the way with 16 points and seven assists on the day. Senior Awreona Ransom had 15 points and two steals. Senior Kenedi Tanks contributed with 12 points and three rebounds. Senior Sierra Smith scored 8 points and grabbed an impressive 20 boards for the game. 
 
Xavier (LA.)
 
Xavier University (XULA) (7-1, 1-0 RRAC) rolled into town for the second game of conference for the Lady Mustangs (2-6, 0-2 RRAC). XULA set their sights on improving their already impressive record and adding another win to their conference total.
 
Southwest began the game with a 25-21 lead over Xavier after the first quarter and were able to maintain that lead going into the half at 45-40. XULA would show some fight in the third quarter as their defense held the Lady Mustangs to only six points, putting them up 60-51. Xavier would shut the door in the fourth quarter and take it 81-72.
 
Senior Awreona Ransom had 15 points, three assists, and two steals. Senior Sierra Smith posted a double-double with 13 points and 17 rebounds. Senior Kenedi Tanks and Junior Tamaria White each had 11 points, while Junior Brianna Ford added on 12 points. 
 
Coach Michael Dominguez had this to say regarding the two games, "Last week was a big growing week for us. No, we did not get the results we wanted, but I feel like it was an opportunity for us to learn and grow as a team. We played two teams that made the semi-finals in last year's playoffs, and they pretty much have their whole teams back this year, and we went toe to toe with them, losing by 4 in one game and by 9 in the next."

"In each game, it was the same story. We played three really good quarters and one lackluster one. In both games, that one quarter made the difference, and we lost. I told our team that we are going toe to toe with the top teams in the conference, and we are only playing 3/4 of a game, imagine what we could do if we could put a full game together? It's not a fun feeling starting off conference 0-2, but we will continue to work together, and once we can all put a full game together, we will see better results."
 
USW Women's Basketball returns later this week with a game at Texas A&M Texarkana on Thursday and at Paul Quinn College on Saturday. Continue to follow USW Athletics and USW Women's Basketball on all social media for scores and updates throughout the season.