RICHARDSON, Texas – A fourth-quarter surge by UT Dallas hindered the efforts of Mines women's basketball as the Orediggers fell to the Comets, 83-67.
Sophia Baal still came through with a career game featuring 23 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks.
Madison Gage joined in with 12 points, six rebounds, and one block.
Sofia Baldessari's 10 points made it three double-digit scorers as she added seven rebounds as well.
Lauren Thompson and
Izzy Johnston combined for seven assists.
Jade Leon also grabbed seven rebounds.
Sammy Darnell's two assists and one steal were notable as well.
The Orediggers (0-2) shot over 42 percent from the field, but just 33 percent from three-point range. Their defense also limited UT Dallas to a shooting percentage under 40 percent and a three-point clip under 30 percent. However, the Comets converted 23 of their 30 chances at the free throw line compared to a 16-for-26 mark for Mines. Despite outrebounding the home team, the Orediggers truly fell victim to 22 turnovers, 10 blocks, and nine steals. In comparison, UT Dallas only committed four turnovers and coughed up one steal.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Eight points for Baal and five from Baldessari carried Mines to a narrow, 20-19 lead after 10 minutes of action. Baldessari found herself in foul trouble early, but Baal and Thompson combined for 12 points in the second quarter which fueled the Orediggers' 40-30 lead going into halftime. After the break, UT Dallas stepped up its defense and held the visitors under 30-percent shooting from the floor while exploding for 25 points. That surge grew to 28 Comet points in the fourth quarter which more than offset Mines' 15 points on 42-percent shooting. The final period saw UTD go 5-for-5 at the free-throw line and 3-for-5 from long range as the Orediggers missed four free throws and zero three-pointers.
NOTABLES
- Saturday marked the second-ever meeting between Mines and UT Dallas after the Orediggers beat the Comets, 67-56, on Nov. 15, 2025.
- Baal's 23 points surpassed her previous game high of 21. She also matched her career best in blocks.
- Head Coach
Brittany Simpson is now 246-158 in her 15th season leading the Orediggers.
WHAT'S NEXT
Mines hosts a cross-conference event next weekend with Seattle Pacific, Saint Martin's, and Adams State coming to Golden.
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.
