WICHITA FALLS, Texas – The Rogers State women's basketball team could not make a two-point halftime lead stand as Texas Woman's University rallied with a strong second half for a 56-41 victory Saturday at D.L. Ligon Coliseum.
 
In the final game of the Ashbrook Classic pitting a pair of unbeaten teams, the Pioneers surged past the Hillcats with a 16-6 advantage in the third quarter after RSU took a 25-23 lead into the halftime break.
 
Both sides showed signs of fatigue early after battling to narrow victories less than 24 hours prior to today's start. The Hillcats built a quick six-point edge by going on an 8-0 run following TWU's opening basket capped by Kami Bunch finding Heather Roberts for an easy layup. The Pioneers answered by closing the frame with the final seven points for a 9-8 edge.
 
RSU used a similar recipe as its victory Friday putting forth a strong effort in the second quarter as the bench chipped in 14 points. The Hillcats out-scored TWU 17-14 in the 10-minute frame getting back-to-back buckets from freshman Lauren Schuldt and a pair of three pointers from junior transfer Courtney Smit, taking a 25-23 lead at halftime.
 
In the second half, the Pioneers came out firing posting 16 points, while limiting RSU to their lowest output of the young season in a quarter at six points. Lindsey Byfield knocked down a trey moving the Hillcats back in front 31-29 until TWU tallied the final 10 points of the third quarter leading 39-31.
 
Schuldt opened the final period with a jumper, but the Pioneers took control with an 8-0 run and sealed the victory, 56-41.
 
Byfield paced the Hillcats scoring eight points, while Rachel Block, Smith, and Schuldt added six points apiece. Emily Gamble pulled down a game-high nine rebounds and Bunch finished the night with eight assists. Bunch was named to the Ashbrook Classic All-Tournament team for her performance over the two games.
 
Erin Maxwell led TWU with 10 points, six rebounds, and four blocks remaining a perfect 2-0 following the conference challenge between the Heartland Conference and Lone Star Conference.
 
RSU (1-1 overall) is back in action for its home opener Nov. 19 hosting Bacone at the Claremore Expo Center for a 5:30 start. Follow all the action live on the Hillcat Network at www.rsuhillcats.com/live.

Ashbrook Classic All-Tournament Team
Kami Bunch, Rogers State
Kiara Etheridge, St. Mary's
Dezirae Elias, St. Mary's
Erin Maxwell, Texas Woman's
Danielle Westerfield, Texas Woman's