HOBBS, N.M. - The Independence Women’s Basketball team continued their strong start to the season by splitting a pair of games in New Mexico, defeating Dallas-Cedar Valley before falling to #11 New Mexico JC. 

On Friday afternoon, the Pirates squared off with a strong Division III Dallas-Cedar Valley squad. In what was a defensive battle early, the Pirates scored 27 of their 62 points in the fourth quarter, ultimately winning the quarter by 13 points en route to their 62-51 victory, their third straight. The Pirates overcame 28 turnovers but were able to shoot 40% from the field compared to Cedar Valley’s 23%. Mimi White and Danaiya Stillwell-Smith each finished in double figures off the bench, as White had a team high 15 while Stillwell-Smith added 12 points along with nine rebounds. Nyah Chandler and Cinahya Ekwuruke each had eight points, while Chandler added six rebounds and Ekwuruke added five.

On day two, the Pirates took on the host school and nationally ranked New Mexico JC. In the Pirates first game of the season against a nationally ranked opponent they held their own as the Thunderbirds were able to jump out to a lead in the first quarter thanks to efficient offense that resulted in 27 first quarter points. The Pirates settled in and continued to battle as they were able to slightly win the second quarter 18-16. Outside of the first quarter, the Pirates were able to hang with the 11th-ranked Thunderbirds ultimately losing the game 73-60 after trailing by 11 after that first quarter. Mimi White once again paced the Pirates with 22 points, as Flutra Mehmeti and Jade Oliney finished in double figures off the bench with 12 points and 10 points respectively. 

The weekend trip to New Mexico rounds out the non-conference portion of the schedule for Indy, as they now gear up for KJCCC play where they will travel to Colby on Wednesday to open up their 24 game conference schedule. The Lady Pirates are now 3-3 overall, but head into conference play winners of three of the last four.