SHERMAN, Texas — Four of Colorado College's five starters scored in double figures to defeat the Southwestern women's basketball team 69-49 in the first round of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Tournament.

For three quarters, Southwestern remained within striking distance, trailing 44-40 heading into the fourth quarter before Colorado College reeled off a 25-9 run to put the game away. 

Rosie Braley went to work for Colorado College early with seven first-quarter points, leading the Tigers to a 16-10 lead, with the defense limiting Southwestern to 4-of-19 shooting and forcing five turnovers. 

Southwestern found its footing in the second quarter behind the play of first-year point guard Ellie Ward and senior forward Taylor Carney. Ward scored six points on 3-of-5 shooting, and Carney added six points on four shots as the Pirates outscored Colorado College 15-12 to trail 28-25 at the break. 

Carney carried Southwestern in the third quarter, scoring 10 points on 3-of-5 shooting, hitting a pair of 3-pointers, and free throws. The Tigers responded with a more balanced attack, getting a combined nine points from Laura Strenk and Talia Cloud to outscore the Pirates 16-15. 

Colorado College ramped up its defense in the fourth quarter, stifling Southwestern to a 2-of-14 shooting performance while Anna Fanelli and Audrey Bayston scored seven points each in leading the Tigers to an 8-of-14 shooting quarter. 

Carney led Southwestern with 20 points on 5-for-14 shooting, hitting 7-for-7 from the free-throw line and grabbing a team-high eight rebounds. Ward added 14 points and four rebounds. Southwestern finished an ice-cold 25 percent from the field (15-of-60). 

Southwestern wraps up its season with a 10-15 record, including 6-10 in conference play.