COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. –Led by a career high from Daniella Turner, the Colorado Mesa Mavericks (5-2, 1-0 RMAC) opened up the RMAC regular season with a 69-40 win over University of Colorado Colorado Springs Friday night inside the Gallogly Event Center.

Turner, a junior guard from Boca Raton, Fla. lit up the Mountain Lions for 24 points (9-of-15 FG) and recorded three steals. The Mavs shot 44.0 percent (22-of-50 FG) from the field, 23.5 percent (4-of-17) from the three-point line, and 67.7 percent (21-of-31) from the free-throw line. 

Sydni Brandon led the team in rebounds and steals after recording six in each category. She dished out a team high four assists to go along with her 10 points. 

Of the 13 Mavericks who saw playing time in tonight's game 11 scored. 

The Mountain Lions were held to just 25.0 percent (12-of-48 FG) from the field and were led by Chelsea Pearson who recorded nine points. 

The Mavericks held a 2-1 lead in the opening minute of the game after UCCS was the first to score. They maintained their lead throughout the remainder of RMAC action. UCCS recorded just five points in the opening quarter and by the media timeout in the second quarter the Mavericks held a 21-7 lead. 

Turner and Sierra McNicol scored back-to-back layups just before half that gave CMU a 26-12 lead at half. 

UCCS had their best quarter coming out of the locker room, but the Mavs managed to outscored the Mountain Lions 21-16 and held a 47-29 lead entering the final quarter. 

The Mavericks did not let up in the fourth quarter and recorded a game best 22 points. They saw their largest lead of the night with less than one minute to play, 67-36. 

Elly Walters went two-for-two from the free throw line with ten second remaining to give the Mavericks their final points, 69-40. 

Up Next 

The Mavericks will travel to Golden, Colo. tomorrow for a game against Colorado School of Mines at 5 pm inside Lockridge Arena. Western Colorado defeated Colorado School of Mines 66-48 Friday night. The Orediggers enter Saturday's game with a 3-3 overall record and 0-1 RMAC record.