LOGAN, Utah --- Utah State women's basketball began its 2021-22 season with a 90-43 exhibition victory over Fort Lewis College on Monday night. Five players scored in double digits for the Aggies.

"First time in front of a crowd," head coach Kayla Ard said. "That's the first time our players have seen that. I think we just had to shake it out a little bit. The second half was much better. We meshed a lot better. Chemistry was a lot better. Better second half than first but hopefully we can build on that going forward."

USU started slow in the first quarter before an 8-0 run powered the Aggies to a 23-15 lead at the end of the period. After allowing the opening basket of the second quarter, Utah State's defense locked down the Skyhawk offense. The Aggies went on an 18-0 run over the ensuing five minutes to take firm control of the game, entering halftime with a 43-22 lead. The margin continued to swell in the second half as Utah State posted runs of 10-2 and 17-0 to prevent any threat of a comeback attempt.

"Any time we score 90 points, I'm probably gonna be pretty happy," coach Ard said. "There's always things you've got to fix. So we're gonna do that over the next seven days before we go into our first real game. But overall, I'm pleased with it. I'm glad we got the first one under our belt. 90 points. I'll take that."

Graduate transfer Laci Hawthorne led the effort for USU with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, also adding five assists in the contest. Senior transfer Kaylin Randhawa posted a team-high 15 points alongside five rebounds and three steals. Junior transfer Adryana Quezada added 13 points and five rebounds. Sophomores Kinley Falslev and Meagan Mendazona also reached double digits in scoring with 12 and 11 points, respectively. Senior transfer Manna Mensah matched Hawthorne with a team-best five assists on the night.

As a team, the Aggies forced 22 turnovers, including 13 steals. Quezada plus seniors Emmie Harris and Taylor Franson each tallied a team-best three steals for the contest. Randhawa and senior transfer E'Lease Stafford also led the Aggies with two blocks apiece.

"The thing we focus on a lot is that our defense creates our offense," coach Ard said. "Our players, when they buy into that, we're really good offensively because we get runouts and we get to run our system and we get to play fast…  We need to fix a couple wrinkles but overall, I'm really pleased with the defensive effort."

Utah State now has a week to prepare for the official start of their season versus Westminster on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 5 p.m. The game will be part of a doubleheader at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum with men's basketball facing off versus UC Davis at 7:30 p.m.

"I'm excited about that. Hopefully, it will draw a big fan base for us," coach Ard said. "The student section was awesome tonight. I want to keep building on that. That's really fun to play in front of them... It's a fun atmosphere in here so we're looking forward to it."

Fans can follow USU women's basketball on Twitter, @USUWBasketball, on Instagram, @USUWBasketball, as well as on Facebook, at /USUWBB. Aggie fans can also follow Utah State Athletics on Twitter, @USUAthletics, on Instagram, @USUAthletics and on Facebook at /USUAthletics. 

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