ST. GEORGE, Utah – The Colorado Mesa women's basketball team improved to 3-0 on the young season with a 61-47 win over Dixie State on Friday evening in Burns Arena as part of the Dixie State Classic.
 
The Mavericks led by as many as 27 points at 49-22 with 3:47 left in the third quarter but were outscored 18-10 in the fourth quarter. They grew their lead in the second quarter after limiting the Trailblazers to just six points and just one field goal in the quarter.
 
Ma'ata Epenisa led all scorers with 18 points but was hampered in the fourth quarter after she picked up her fourth foul with 9:47 to play in the game. She pulled down four rebounds and added two steals.
 
Senior Erin Reichle added 13 and junior Jaylyn Duran finished with 11. Duran dished out six assists and grabbed six rebounds.
 
Colorado Mesa scored just six points off the bench with three of those coming from freshman Sierra McNicol.
 
Colorado Mesa shot over 42 percent (25-for-59) from the field including 29.4 percent (7-for-24) from three. The Mavericks shot just six free-throws on the night and converted four of them.
 
The story on the early season has been the Colorado Mesa defense. Once again, they limited a team to under 35 percent shooting from the floor and improved the perimeter defense, allowing just five three-pointers.
 
Mariah Martin led the Trailblazers with 12 points.
 
Colorado Mesa will finish the Dixie State Classic tomorrow with a matchup against NAIA school Montana State Northern at 5pm.