The Colorado State women’s basketball team is set to tip off Mountain West Conference play with an away matchup against Utah State on Dec. 29 at 2 p.m. in Logan, Utah. After a solid non-conference season, the Rams are eager to carry their momentum into league competition. Etruesports takes a deep get into Colorado State’s recent performances, key players, and what to expect as the Rams forge on their conference schedule.
Weekly Schedule
- Matchup: Colorado State (9-4, 0-0 MW) vs. Utah State (1-11, 0-0 MW)
- Venue: Dee Glen Smith Spectrum, Logan, Utah
- Date and Time: Sunday, Dec. 29, 2:00 PM
- Watch: Mountain West Network
- Live Stats: StatBroadcast
Rams Recap: A Strong Non-Conference Finish
Dominant Week of Play
Colorado State wrapped up its non-conference schedule with an impressive string of performances. The Rams started the week with a commanding 70-52 victory over UTEP, setting the tone early with a dominant 23-5 first-quarter lead. Their next triumph came at the San Diego Classic, where they secured a milestone 84-78 win over Georgia, marking their first victory against an SEC opponent since 1998. Although they fell short in a competitive matchup against Stephen F. Austin, ranked 55th in the latest NET standings, their general non-conference play highlighted their ability to compete against top-tier teams.
Protecting Possession
One of the defining characteristics of this Colorado State squad is its meticulous ball-handling. The Rams lead the nation in fewest turnovers per game, averaging just 8.8 this season. This marks the third consecutive season they have held this distinction, further setting them apart as one of only two Division I teams averaging under 10 turnovers per game. No other Mountain West team has managed to stay below 12 turnovers per contest, emphasizing CSU’s discipline and efficiency.
Hannah Ronsiek (image via Getty)Star Player Spotlight
Emma Ronsiek: Leading the Charge
Emma Ronsiek, the Mountain West Co-Preseason Player of the Year, has been instrumental in Colorado State’s success. She recently earned her second Player of the Week honor, becoming the first in the conference to achieve the distinction twice this season. Over the past three games, Ronsiek has averaged:
- Points: 18.3
- Rebounds: 5.3
- Assists: 4.0
- Steals: 1.7
Her standout performance came against Georgia, where she recorded 24 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals while shooting an impressive 69.2% from the field.
Defensive Strengths
Lockdown Defense
The Rams have built their success on a foundation of stifling defense, ranking at the top of the Mountain West in multiple categories:
- Field Goal Percentage Allowed: 34.9% (First in MW)
- Points Allowed Per Game: 58.2 (Third in MW)
In eight of their nine victories, CSU has held opponents to under 60 points, reinforcing their defensive dominance.
NET Rankings
Heading into conference play, Colorado State holds a strong NET ranking of 93, placing them among the top three teams in the Mountain West, alongside UNLV (51) and San Diego State (88).
The Ronsiek Sisters: A Dynamic Duo
The Rams’ success is not just a one-player effort. The duo of Emma and Hannah Ronsiek has been a crucial part of Colorado State’s winning formula.
- Emma Ronsiek: Leads the team with 17.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. She also dominates in free throws, three-pointers, and two-point field goals.
- Hannah Ronsiek: Adds 9.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game while leading the team in steals (1.4 per game).
Together, the Ronsiek sisters provide a well-rounded offensive and defensive threat that will be essential in the upcoming conference games.
What’s Next for the Rams?
Colorado State is eager to carry its strong play into Mountain West action, starting with a road game against Utah State. As the Rams continue their push for a successful conference campaign, Etruesports will provide in-depth coverage, live updates, and expert analysis throughout the season.
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