PIONEEERS CONTINUE TO RISE ON NATIONAL AND REGIONAL POLLS

PIONEEERS CONTINUE TO RISE ON NATIONAL AND REGIONAL POLLS | Texas Woman's University Athletic Department

By Press release submission

Dec 26, 2022

Keep climbing has become the calling card for the Texas Woman's basketball team this season.

After two Lone Star Conference wins last week, TWU jumped higher on the Women's Basketball Division II Media Regional and National Poll, sponsored by D2SIDA, and the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Division II Top 25 National Poll.

On Saturday, Dec. 17, the Pioneers defeated Eastern New Mexico, and they followed up with another win at Western New Mexico on Monday, Dec. 19. Even with a smaller active roster, TWU fought and found a way to win.

They remain one of just two undefeated teams in the Lone Star Conference, along with UT Tyler.

Last week, the WBCA ranked TWU at No. 23. On this week's poll, they jumped up to No. 20. The WBCA poll did not factor in any games played on Monday night, while the D2SIDA did.

TWU also climbed a spot on the D2SIDA Regional Poll, passing West Texas A&M to claim the No. 1 spot for the first time in program history. After losing to Tampa on the road last week, West Texas A&M dropped to No. 3 and Colorado School of Mines moved to No. 2 with only one loss on their record.

On the D2SIDA National Poll, the Pioneers moved to their highest national ranking in program history, cracking the top 10 at No. 10. They moved up from No. 12 last week.

West Texas A&M and Colorado School of Mines joined TWU on both national polls as South Central Region representatives. The Pioneers passed West Texas A&M, No. 17, on the D2SIDA and Colorado School of Mines was ranked No. 12. On the WBCA Poll, West Texas A&M remained in the top 5 at No. 5 and Colorado School of Mines moved up one spot to No. 10. Angelo State, another LSC team and regional opponent, is also receiving votes in both national polls.

The Pioneers are currently 9-1 on the season and 4-0 in LSC action.

In LSC standings, the Pioneers currently rank fifth in defense, holding their opponents to an average of 60.4 points per game. They also rank sixth in opponent field goal percentage, as TWU's defense holds their opponents to shooting just 36.9% from the field.

Because of the holiday season, TWU will have a week off. They will return to action on Dec. 30 on the road at University of Arkansas Fort Smith.

"We came together as a team this week to overcome adversity and grow stronger together," TWU Head Coach Beth Jillson said. "I am beyond proud of how everyone rose to the challenge and responded with grit and heart. We are honored by the ranking, and we look forward to continuing to improve. I am excited for this team to grow and learn as we head into the 2023 portion of our season and continue to face tough opponents."