DENVER – The Colorado Christian University women have been among the D-II leaders in steals and forced turnovers the past two years, and Friday they showed Chadron State they’re just as dangerous as ever.The Cougars scored 42 points off 31 CSC turnovers…including 17 steals…en route to a to its 106-68 victory over the Eagles on the opening day of the Holiday Inn Select Classic, being played in Denver on the campus of Metro State.Shooting wasn’t a particular problem for Chadron State as the Eagles hit 40% from the field (27-67), but they did struggle from long range…making just 4 of 15…and from the foul line, where they were 10-17.  CCU shot shot 48% (38 of 80) from the field,  10 of 21 from 3-point range and 20 of 28 from the line.

Five players scored in double figures for Colorado Christian, led by Mariah Metoyer with 22 points and 8 rebounds and Taylor Torres with 20 points.

Only 8 CSC players got in the game and all scored.  Sophomore Dallas Shaw had a team-high 22 points while Kate Simonton chipped in a career-high 14 in just 19 minutes of action. Hattie Guzman scored 8 points, Kattie Ranta 6 with 8 boards, and Greer Babbe finished with 6 points.

Saturday won’t be any easier for the Eagles as they take on Lubbock Christian, currently ranked #1 in the NAIA with a 7-0 record after beating Metro State…ranked #7 in NCAA D-II, 81-63. The Chapparrals have an average margin of victory of more than 20 points and 6 players averaging in double figures.

Game time at the Auroria Events Center in Denver is 5:30.

CSC        32 36 – 68
CCU       52 54 – 106