The Highlander

Media Credit: Brett Stakelin The Rangers clinch the RMAC for a third straight season.

On Friday the number 19 ranked Rangers clinched their third straight RMAC Conference championship, but it was no simple task. Though their opponent Chadron State came in with just one win in conference play, the Lady Rangers put up a fight for the first 20 minutes.

Junior Stevi Seitz scored the Rangers' first nine points and she knocked down three early three-point shots to give the Rangers an offensive boost. Seitz finished the first half with a perfect four-of-four from behind the arc. While Seitz gave the Rangers an early boost, it was Diana Lopez who took control to end the first half. Lopez was everywhere, knocking four three-pointers as well as making her presence known on the defensive end with four steals.

Chadron State continued to hang around, however, after an impressive first half from behind the arc. The Eagles knocked down five of their eight attempts as they finished the first half shooting 62.5 percent. The Rangers were able to knock down nine three-pointers, however they struggled from everywhere else on the floor, only scoring six other field goals. Five more free throw attempts were made by the Eagles as they converted on 7-of-10; the Rangers only shot five and made just two. This allowed for Chadron State to go into the locker room at halftime only down by seven, 41-34.

In the second half the Ranger bench stepped up after contributing just five points in the entire first half. The Rangers also continued to knock down shots from behind the arc and their defense was able to once again create turnovers and turn them into scoring opportunities.

The Rangers got everyone involved as they dished out 28 assists and both Breanne Burley and Diana Lopez passed out seven assists. Redshirt freshmen Jacque Machesney and sophomore Emily Kupiers finished in double figures. Both got hot late to increase the Ranger lead. Macheseney finished with 12 points as well as six assists, while Kupiers chipped in 10 points.

While the Rangers did give up 71, points it was their ability to cause turnovers and score off those turnovers in the second half that helped put Chadron State away. Chadron State turned the ball over 28 times, 15 of those were forced by the Rangers, who turned those into 25 points.

The Rangers finished the game with five players in double figures. Diana Lopez led the way with 28 points for the Rangers as she grabbed eight rebounds and recorded eight steals. Sister Denise posted her twelfth double-double of the season finishing the game with 11 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Seitz continued her strong play into the second half as she scored 21 points, grabbed six rebounds, and blocked three shots to help lead the Rangers to a 94-71 victory.

On Senior Night the Ranger senior trio--Denise and Diana Lopez and Nicole Gross--lead the Rangers to a home victory, sweeping up Nebraska-Kearney with a score of 82-65.

Diana Lopez got the Rangers going in the first half has she started the game off knocking down back to back three-pointers. While Lopez flourished on the night from the three-point range, going 7-of-13, the rest of the Rangers combined to shoot just 4-of-18.

The Rangers were ahead the entire night but until late in the second half. Kearney would not fold, cutting the lead under single digits multiple times and even coming within one point at the 12:02 mark of the second half. Kearney grabbed 18 offensive rebounds, which resulted in 21 second chance points that allowed them to chip away at the Ranger lead.

The Rangers held onto their lead in the first half and during the second, despite the push from Kearney, due to their ability to create turnovers. The Loepers committed 24 turnovers: 13 of which were forced by the Rangers and led to 30 Ranger points. Along with another stellar defensive performance, the Rangers took advantage of their trips to the free throw line, holding 23-of-24, from the charity stripe, and shooting 95.8 percent on the night.

Junior Nicole Gross was the story of the night. Gross, who only averages 3.1 points per game, finished with 16 points on 4-of-5, shooting from the field, and was perfect from the free throw line, converting on all eight of her free throws.

Diana Lopez knocked down seven three-pointers on the night and all but one of her field goals came from behind the arc. Sister Denise was quiet in the first half but erupted in the second after sister Diana headed to the bench with foul trouble and as Kearney began to make a run that shifted the momentum back in the favor of the Rangers. Denise finished the game with 18 points.

Senior point guard Liz Fischer led the way for the Lopers. Fischer made a valiant effort in the second half in an attempt to lead a comeback; however, she fell just short. Fischer finished the game scoring 23 points and passing out seven assists. The Lopers also got double digit scoring from Melissa Hinkley and Amy Mathis who chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively.

The weekend sweep brings the Rangers record to 22-5 overall and 17-2 in the RMAC. Today at 7:00 p.m. the Rangers will be in action at home as they host a first round game in the RMAC Conference tournament against Mesa State. If the Rangers win tonight they will advanced to play in the semifinals in Pueblo over the weekend.

The first 100 students at the game will receive a free ticket, so come out and support the Rangers in their last home game of the season.

Also congratulations to Diana Lopez who was named RMAC East Player of the Week as well as being named RMAC Player of the Year for the third year in a row. Denise Lopez was named RMAC Defensive Player of the Year and both Lopez's were named First Team All-RMAC. Congratulations also to Breanne Burley and Stevi Seitz who were honorable mention selections.

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