#16 Ranked Copper Mountain College Women Deliver Statement Win, Defeat Palo Verde 126–44

The #16 state-ranked Copper Mountain College Women's Basketball team made an emphatic statement in IEAC Conference play, overwhelming Palo Verde College 126–44 in a dominant performance from start to finish.

The Fighting Cacti wasted no time setting the tone, unleashing relentless full-court pressure that left the Pirates searching for answers. Copper Mountain's aggressive defense forced numerous turnovers and completely dictated the pace of the game, holding Palo Verde to just 17 points in the first half. By halftime, the Cacti had already built a commanding 76–17 advantage.

The second half mirrored the first, as Copper Mountain continued to apply suffocating pressure on both ends of the floor. The Pirates were unable to slow the Cacti's tempo or contain their balanced attack, as Copper Mountain cruised to one of the most decisive victories of the season.

Gia McFadden led all scorers with an outstanding 32-point performance, showcasing her offensive firepower and efficiency. Zoe Tennell added 22 points of her own, contributing to a scoring onslaught that underscored the Cacti's depth and explosiveness.

With the victory, Copper Mountain continues to solidify its position as one of the top teams in the state. The Fighting Cacti now turn their attention to a marquee IEAC showdown, traveling to Victor Valley College on Saturday, January 10, to face the conference-leading Rams. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m. in what promises to be a pivotal battle atop the IEAC standings.