Women's Basketball faced off with Austin College in their second conference matchup of the season Saturday night. In a mostly back-and-forth affair, the Celts put up a huge third quarter performance and rode it to their first conference victory of the season, 62-54.

Each team put together extended scoring runs in the first quarter. It was St. Thomas first, going on an early 8-0 run behind a pair of three pointers from Audrey Hernandez. Austin got the run right back, but Ravyn Ellis finished the quarter strong. Austin threatened to pull away in the second quarter, but timely makes from Hayden Morin and Hernandez kept UST close. Austin led 34-25 at the half.

Sydnee Smith got the Celts going in the second half with a three, then Ellis hit another three to get UST within 5. That would be a sign of things to come in the quarter as the St. Thomas offense stayed hot and the defense locked in. The Celts posted their best quarter of the season as Kareena Aragon and Ellis each put up 9 points in the frame. Austin scored only 9 points as a team, while the Celts only missed two shots and outscored the 'Roos 26-9 in the frame. Macie Whitfield started the fourth quarter with a pair of makes for the Celts, and while Austin had one more run in them, Ellis knocked down a key jumper to ice the game in the closing minutes, leading to the game's final score of 62-54.

Audrey Hernandez led all scorers in the game with 17 points on 5-of-7 shooting (all three pointers) and a pair of free throws. Kareena Aragon accounted for 13 points, 4 assists and 4 steals, and Ravyn Ellis recorded 15 points off the bench to boost the offense. With the win, the Celts improved to 1-1 in conference play.

Women's Basketball heads home for a bit of rest before their next game on December 12 against Centenary. Be sure to come out to the JAAC to support your Celts, and remember to keep up with updates and scores at ustcelts.com.