CHADRON, Neb. – Colorado School of Mines Women's Basketball guard Jenna Siebert was the key in the Orediggers' 55-45 victory at Chadron State on Thursday night.
 
Siebert's final line included 23 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two blocks compared to zero turnovers. No player in the game had more points, blocks, or assists than the redshirt junior. Right behind Siebert was Josephine Howery. She tallied 13 points, nine rebounds, two steals, two blocks, and one assist. Also notable were Isa Hensley's 11 rebounds.
 
Mines (4-9, 2-3 RMAC) only shot 27 percent from the floor. However, the Orediggers forced Chadron State (2-9, 1-4 RMAC) into 15 turnovers and only committed 10 of their own. A 52-47 advantage in rebounding also benefited the visitors. Additionally, the Eagles only managed 15 makes on 59 field-goal attempts. There was a total of five made three-pointers on 31 tries in the game. Mines' 26 points in the paint offset CSC's 23 points off the bench.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Both teams entered the evening playing their first game in the new calendar year. A rather unremarkable first half spotlighted each side's rust with Mines carrying a 19-17 advantage into the break. That lead was fueled by a 5-1 run at the end of the half. Siebert's five points in the first 20 minutes tied for the game high in scoring. Nine more points from Siebert in the third quarter pushed the Orediggers to a 36-30 cushion. Howery closed out Mines' victory by dropping seven points in the fourth quarter. There were just four ties and two lead changes in the thriller in Nebraska.
 
NOTABLES
- Mines took a 35-34 lead in the all-time series against Chadron State.
- The Orediggers haven't lost to the Eagles since 2019.
- Three of Mines' four wins this season have come by double digits.
- Thursday's 100 total points came on 125 field goal attempts and 40 free-throw opportunities
- Hensley's 11 rebounds on Thursday were a significant upgrade in her single-game, career high.
- Howery also matched her collegiate best of nine rebounds. She grabbed nine against Colorado Mesa and Fort Hays State as well.
- Additionally, Siebert's nine rebounds matched her top single-game performance as an Oredigger after pulling down nine against Simon Fraser and Angelo State.
- Siebert did the same with two blocks which she had against Simon Fraser earlier this season.
- Peyton Freiermuth recorded two steals for the third time this season and in her career.
- Audrey Beaty moved over 300 points for her career which includes 89 at Emporia State and 213 at Mines.
- Oredigger Head Coach Brittany Simpson is now 223-132 in her 13th season at the helm.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
Mines faces South Dakota Mines on Friday in Rapid City, S.D., at 1 p.m. Free live stats and video on the RMAC Network will be available at www.minesathletics.com.
 
Fans can keep up with Mines women's basketball on "X" (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram at @MinesWBB. They can also keep up with Colorado School of Mines Athletics all year long on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the handle @MinesAthletics.