Senior guard McKenzee Gertz scored 20 points, including a pair of clutch free-throws with five seconds remaining, to power Colorado College to an 80–76 victory over Southwestern University on Saturday afternoon in Reid Arena. 
 
Her most dramatic shot came at the buzzer to end the third quarter when she drained a 25-foot three-pointer to give the Tigers a 17-point lead, their largest lead of the game. 
 
Colorado College survived a furious comeback which saw the Pirates pull to within a point on Lauren Fulenwider's three-pointer with seven seconds remaining to cut CC's lead to 77–76. 
 
"McKenzee Gertz played a complete game for us and battled for every rebound," head coach Katherine Menendez said. "Her effort on defense was evidenced by steals as well as rebounds. She stepped up to hit some big free throws and key points in the game, too."
 
The Tigers sealed the victory when Gertz and sophomore guard Anna Fanelli combined to shoot 5-for-6 from the free-throw line during the final 13 seconds. 
 
In addition to her key free throws, Fanelli posted a rare double-double with 16 points and 10 assists.
 
"Our transition offense was helped tremendously by Anna Fanelli pushing tempo," Menendez said. "Anna, along with Mia Thurber at the wing, did a fantastic job communicating and keeping our team composed in a pressure situation."
 
Sophomore forward Rosie Braley pulled down eight of CC's 35 defensive rebounds, while Gertz added seven more. 
 
Sophomore forward Tedy Reed shot 5-for-11 from the field and contributed 15 points. 
 
Fulenwider led the Pirates with 25 points, including seven three-pointers. 
 
The Tigers forced nine turnovers and converted them into 16 points. 
 
"Our team really responded today, adjusting our defensive intensity and focusing on gaining an advantage on the boards," Menendez said. "Their dialed-in mentality on both sides of the ball allowed us to withstand Southwestern's run at the end."
 
Colorado College Standouts  
Senior guard Abby Walz recorded six points.  
Sophomore guard Mia Thurber recorded six assists.
 
Southwestern University Standouts 
Princess Roberts and Reece Sandercock each recorded eight rebounds.
 
Notes 
Colorado College improved to 3-1.
Southwestern University slipped to 1–5. 
 
Next for the Tigers 
Colorado College travels to Shreveport, La., to take on Centenary College Friday and Saturday, Feb. 5 and 6.