The Colorado College women's basketball team advanced to the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference championship game by coming from behind to defeat second-seeded Texas Lutheran University, 55-40, on Saturday night.

For the second year in a row, CC's opponent in the championship game will be top-seeded Trinity University, which defeated host Austin College, 90-77, earlier in the evening. Sunday's game tips off at 1 p.m. MT.

Laura Strenk led the Tigers with 14 points, nine of which came during the low-scoring first half that saw TLU take a 25-20 lead into the halftime break.

Talia Cloud scored 11 of her 13 points during the third quarter, going 3-for-3 from behind the arc to help Colorado College erase its five-point deficit and build a 39-31 cushion with 10 minutes to go.

After Jayla Santa Maria connected from behind the arc to pull the Bulldogs to within 45-40, CC answered with 10 unanswered points while keeping TLU scoreless during the final 7:08.

Rosie Braley finished with 12 points and a team-leading eight rebounds for the Tigers.

Colorado College finished the game with a 51-38 advantage on the boards and outscored the Bulldogs, 18-10, in the paint.

CC held Texas Lutheran to 19 percent shooting from the floor and only 15 points during the second half.

Tanyse Moehrig led the Bulldogs with 10 points and 13 rebounds.
   
   
Coach's Comments
"Talia did an unbelievable job coming through in clutch moments," head coach Katherine Menendez said. "Her performance from behind the arc shifted the momentum for our team, without a question. She played a complete game and defensively did an excellent job as well."
 
"Zoë's rebounding provided a huge boost today. Her controlling the glass allowed our team to maintain great control, especially in the second half. This combined with Rosie's consistency in the paint was a great impact."
 
"Tedy (Reed) was our X-factor tonight. Her steady presence, timely shots and steals, and overall competitive intensity helped us earn this win."
 
"Laura (Strenk) did an incredible job tonight – her rebounding, assists, and the overall attack mentality she brought to us on offense were pivotal in our program returning to the SCAC championship game."
 
Colorado College Standouts
Anna Fanelli dished out seven assists and grabbed six rebounds.
Tedy Reed came off the bench to produce seven points, two steals and an assist.
 
Texas Lutheran Standouts
Jenesis Navarro scored six points and grabbed five rebounds.
Kailey Mulkey finished with five points and four rebounds.
 
Notes
Colorado College improved to 16-1.
Texas Lutheran finished its season with a 16-9 record.
CC extended its winning streak to nine games, which is the program's longest since the 1989-90 team also won nine in a row.
 
Next for the Tigers
Colorado College faces top-seeded Trinity University in the SCAC Championship game on Sunday at 1 p.m. MT.