The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros women's basketball team pulled off a stunning upset over the Houston Cougars in their season opener, winning a nail-biter 70-68 at the Fertitta Center. The Vaqueros overcame an early deficit and a late surge from the Cougars to secure the victory, showcasing their resilience and sharp-shooting abilities.

Vaqueros Deliver Clutch Performance to Topple Powerhouse Opponent

Vaqueros Overcome Early Struggles to Gain Momentum

The Vaqueros got off to a slow start, falling behind 12-0 to the Cougars in the opening minutes. However, the team quickly regained their composure, with freshman guard Sophia Zufelt knocking down back-to-back three-pointers to spark a comeback. Despite Houston extending their lead to 10 points, the Vaqueros fought their way back, closing the gap to just seven points by the end of the first quarter.In the second quarter, the Vaqueros continued to chip away at the deficit, with sophomore guard Gianna Angiolet and freshman guard Kayla Lorenz leading the charge. The team went on an 8-0 run, tying the game at 33-33 with three minutes left in the half. Just before the buzzer, graduate student Kade Hackerott drained a three-pointer to give the Vaqueros a slim lead heading into the locker room.

Vaqueros Maintain Composure and Grow Lead in Second Half

The Vaqueros came out of the break with renewed energy, quickly extending their lead to four points. Senior guard Tierra Trotter made several key plays down the stretch, while the team's young players continued to shine under the bright lights. Angiolet and Lorenz hit crucial shots in the third quarter, and the game went into the final frame tied at 53-53.In the fourth quarter, the Vaqueros showcased their dynamic offense, with Hackerott scoring seven quick points to give them a 60-56 advantage. However, the Cougars refused to go down without a fight, taking a 68-67 lead with just 23 seconds remaining.

O'Keefe's Clutch Three-Pointer Seals the Victory for the Vaqueros

With the game on the line, the Vaqueros executed their final play to perfection. Hackerott passed the ball to junior forward Charlotte O'Keefe, who calmly drained a contested three-pointer with just three seconds left on the clock, sending the Vaqueros' bench into a frenzy and securing the 70-68 victory.The win marks the Vaqueros' first over a power conference opponent since 2003, a testament to the team's hard work and determination. O'Keefe and Hackerott led the way for the Vaqueros, combining for 38 points and 10 rebounds, while Zufelt made an impressive collegiate debut with nine points and three three-pointers.The Vaqueros' next challenge will be a road game against UTSA on Saturday, as they look to build on this momentum and continue their strong start to the season.