A strong early season push from the Trapper women’s basketball team has Northwest sitting with a 5-1 record after defeating Colorado Northwestern 81-67 on Friday, losing their first game of the season Saturday to Air Force Prep 94-88 in overtime, before defeating Williston State 73-67 on Monday.

NORTHWEST 81, COLORADO NORTHWESTERN 67

A difficult early season test had the Trappers matching up against Colorado Northwestern (2-2) on Friday at the Central Wyoming College tournament in Riverton.

Throughout the game the Trappers maintained a lead despite committing 27 turnovers.

“My team is still very young and really learning the importance of valuing each possession,” coach Lauren Davis said. “Each game our goal is to handle the ball with care, and I think we are getting better.”

Despite the turnovers made, Northwest was able to force Colorado Northwestern into 26 turnovers to help the Trappers push ahead to an 81-67 win.

Roxanne Rogers and Darla Hernandez both scored 22 points while Jimena Montoro-Cabezas was the only other scorer in double figures with 10.

AIR FORCE PREP 94, NORTHWEST 88 (OT)

Heading into Saturday at the Central Wyoming tournament the Trappers got a true test in Air Force Prep.

Throughout the game the Trappers clung onto a lead but allowed the Falcons to come back in the game late to tie the contest and send it into overtime.

In the extra session Air Force Prep outscored Northwest 14-8 to take the victory and hand the Trappers their first loss of the season 94-88.

“I love this team,” Davis said. “We are tough and gritty. We just needed to keep our foot on the gas, and unfortunately we let up and Air Force Prep came back.”

Natalyah Nead finished with a 24 point, 10 rebound double-double alongside Darla Hernandez who finished with a 13 point, 10 rebound double-double.

Kamber Goodluck had 14 points, Nayeli Acosta had 13 points and Roxanne Rogers finished with 10 points.

NORTHWEST 73, WILLISTON STATE 67

After the first loss of the season on Saturday, Northwest returned home Monday to take on Williston State (2-4) for the second time this season.

The Tetons came out strong early and held a lead throughout a majority of the first quarter and lead 15-14 heading into the second.

Northwest finished the second quarter with an 11-4 run and took a 35-32 lead into the half through a combination of a strong high-low game from Nead and Hernandez.

“Those two were outstanding and played off each other well,” Davis said. “Our guards understood the game plan and fed them the ball which helped us be successful.”

The two teams battled in the third with the game tied at 43, before a 13-2 run pushed out the lead to double digits 56-45 for the Trappers heading into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth the Tetons pulled the game within five multiple times, but the Trappers were able to keep Williston State at arms length.

“We need to not let our foot off the gas, keep it simple and stay under control,” Davis said.

Hernandez finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds while Nead finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds.

JAY COLLINS MEMORIAL

Northwest stays at home this weekend for the inaugural Coach Collins Heart of a Champion Memorial Classic.

The Trappers will take on an All-Star team consisting of former college players on Friday night at 5:30 p.m.

During the men’s game that night the college will be honoring the memory of the late Jay Collins through awards and recognitions.

Northwest follows that up with a game against the Carroll College JV on Saturday at 2 p.m. to cap off the weekend.

“I am looking forward to honoring coach Jay Collins the best way I know how, coaching the game I love with girls who I love the most,” Davis said.

NORTHWEST 81, COLORADO NORTHWESTERN 67

Offensive rebounds in ()

Points — Roxanne Rogers 22, Darla Hernandez 22, Jimena Montoro-Cabezas 10, Natalyah Nead 9, Kamber Goodluck 7, Nayeli Acosta 6, Batoul Khaleefah 5

Rebounds — Natalyah Nead 7 (3), Roxanne Rogers 6 (3), Darla Hernandez 6 (3), Jimena Montoro-Cabezas 4, Yaiza Vacas-Lopez 4 (2), Nayeli Acosta 3

Assists — Jimena Montoro-Cabezas 4, Roxanne Rogers 3, Kamber Goodluck 3, Batoul Khaleefah 3, Natalyah Nead 2, Nayelia Acosta 2, Darla Hernandez 2, Yaiza Vacas-Lopez 2

Steals — Yaiza Vacas-Lopez 3, Darla Hernandez 2, Kamber Goodluck 2, Roxanne Rogers 1, Jimena Montoro-Cabezas 1, Natalyah Nead 1, Batoul Khaleefah 1

Blocks — Darla Hernandez 2, Jimena Montoro-Cabezas 1

AIR FORCE PREP 94, NORTHWEST 88 (OT)

Points — Natalyah Nead 24, Kamber Goodluck 14, Nayeli Acosta 13, Darla Hernandez 13, Roxanne Rogers 10, Anna Knight 8, Jimena Montoro-Cabezas 7

Rebounds — Natalyah Nead 10 (1), Darla Hernandez 10 (1), Kamber Goodluck 6 (3), Nayeli Acosta 5 (1), Jimena Montoro-Cabezas 4, Roxanne Rogers 2 (1), Anna Knight 1 (1), Batoul Khaleefah 1

Assists — Jimena Montoro-Cabezas 7, Roxanne Rogers 4, Nayeli Acosta 4, Kamber Goodluck 3, Darla Hernandez 2, Natalyah Nead 1, Anna Knight 1

Steals — Kamber Goodluck 3, Natalyah Nead 2, Roxanne Rogers 1

Blocks — Natalyah Nead 2, Kamber Goodluck 2

NORTHWEST 73,  WILLISTON STATE 67

Points — Darla Hernandez 22, Natalyah Nead 17, Jimena Montoro-Cabezas 10, Roxanne Rogers 7, Kamber Goodluck 7, Nayeli Acosta 6, Batoul Khaleefah 2, Marin Abe 1, Anna Knight 1

Rebounds — Natalyah Nead 12 (2), Darla Hernandez 10 (3), Jimena Montoro-Cabezas 3 (2), Kamber Goodluck 2, Roxanne Rogers 1 (1), Marin Abe 1 (1), Anna Knight 1 (1), Batoul Khaleefah 1

Assists — Nayelia Acosta 4, Darla Hernandez 2, Kamber Goodluck 2, Roxanne Rogers 1, Jimena Montoro-Cabezas 1, Natalyah Nead 1, Marin Abe 1, Batoul Khaleefah 1

Steals — Jimena Montoro-Cabezas 4, Nayeli Acosta 2, Darla Hernandez 2, Kamber Goodluck 2, Natalyah Nead 1, Anna Knight 1

Blocks — Jimena Montoro-Cabezas 2, Darla Hernandez 1