CANYON, Texas — The 2026-27 Mulerider Women's Basketball team wrapped up its opening weekend in Canyon, Texas, on Saturday afternoon, as Southern Arkansas squared off against another nationally ranked opponent in the sixth-ranked Texas Woman's Pioneers. Despite a competitive first half, the Muleriders were unable to keep pace with the Pioneers in the second half, falling by a final score of 66-50 at the First United Bank Center.
Sophomore guard Kennedy Moss led the Blue and Gold offensively, recording a team-high 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the floor. The Trophy Club, Texas native also added five rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 32 minutes of action. Off the bench, Johnna Brockman contributed seven points on a perfect 2-of-2 shooting performance, including a three-pointer, while adding five rebounds and three assists. Kadia Ward and Cloie Jansky each chipped in six points for the Muleriders.
First Quarter (15-10, TWU)
The Pioneers got the scoring started with a layup from Avery McConnell, but Moss quickly answered for Southern Arkansas with a layup of her own to even the score at 2-2. Texas Woman's responded with a three-pointer and a layup to establish a 7-2 advantage before Summer Sodek connected from beyond the arc to push the lead to eight, 10-2. After a free throw from Alexis Rynders extended the Pioneer advantage, Blythe Crawley stopped the scoring drought for the Muleriders with a jumper, 11-4. Texas Woman's added another layup to move ahead by 11, but Ward answered with a three-pointer to bring the deficit back to single digits. The two teams traded possessions down the stretch, with the Pioneers carrying a five-point advantage into the second quarter, 15-10.
Second Quarter (29-23, TWU)
Southern Arkansas began to find its offensive rhythm in the second period, opening the quarter with a layup from Moss to cut the deficit to three, 15-12. The Pioneers responded with a pair of baskets to regain a seven-point advantage, but the Muleriders continued to battle. Moss connected on another basket before Brockman added a layup to keep the Blue and Gold within striking distance. Texas Woman's managed to maintain its lead through the middle portion of the quarter, but Southern Arkansas continued to answer with baskets from Kennedy Moss and the rest of the Mulerider lineup. The Pioneers eventually stretched their advantage back to six points, taking a 29-23 lead into halftime.
Third Quarter (51-36, TWU)
The Pioneers created some separation coming out of the halftime break, putting together their strongest offensive quarter of the afternoon. Texas Woman's opened the period with a scoring run to extend its advantage, while the Muleriders struggled to find consistent offensive opportunities. Southern Arkansas received contributions from Moss, along with baskets from the supporting cast, but the Pioneers continued to convert on the offensive end. Texas Woman's scored 22 points in the period compared to 13 for the Muleriders, taking a 51-36 advantage into the final quarter.
Fourth Quarter (Final, 66-50, TWU)
The Muleriders continued to compete in the fourth quarter, with Brockman helping provide an offensive spark off the bench. The junior connected on both of her field-goal attempts, including a three-pointer, while Ward also contributed from the perimeter. Southern Arkansas found additional opportunities at the free-throw line, converting six attempts in the period, but the Pioneers continued to answer on the other end. Texas Woman's added 15 points in the final quarter to maintain its advantage, ultimately securing the 66-50 victory.
Up Next
Southern Arkansas' next action will be back inside the W.T. Watson Center for a Monday morning matchup against the Wiley University Wildcats on November 9 at 11 AM.
Follow the Muleriders
For all the latest information on Mulerider Athletics, visit MuleriderAthletics.com. To stay up-to-date, follow the Muleriders on X, Instagram, and Facebook.
