The Pioneers women's basketball were named the champions of the Colorado College Thanksgiving Invitational Tournament with their 66-46 (box score) victory over the host team, Colorado College, Saturday in Colorado Springs. Crystal Castle posted another double-double and was named tournament MVP. Kim Kittell was also named to the all-tournament team.

The Pioneers jumped out to an early lead, extending it to ten 14-4, on a three-pointer from Talerra Rich (sophomore, Los Alamos, N.M.). Colorado College went on an 11-0 run to take a 15-14 lead. A jumper by Allison Farr (senior, Lakeport, Calif.) followed by a three by Farr put the Pioneers back in the lead by four with 6:17 remaining in the half. They would never trail again.

The Pioneers built on a 27-22 halftime lead with a 22-5 run in the first nine minutes of the second half to put the game completely out of reach. The Pioneers cruised to a 66-46 victory.

Crystal Castle (senior, Rocklin, Calif.) posted the 11th double-double of her career with 15 points and 10 rebounds, including seven offensive boards. Allison Farr (senior, Lakeport, Calif.) had a game-high 20 points. Talerra Rish just missed a double-double with ten rebounds and eight points. Kim Kittell (sophomore, Tillamook, Ore.) had five points, three rebounds, three assists, four steals and just one turnover. 

Crystal Castle was named the tournament MVP. She scored 46 points with 24 rebounds in the two games. Kittell was named to the All-Tournament team. Kittell had 12 assists to just one turnover. She also played tight defense, shutting down both team's leading scorers.

The Pioneers, who improve to 3-1 on the season with the victory, will next take on NAIA Lewis-Clark State Saturday night, December 1, at the Pamplin Sports Center. Tip off is at 7pm. The game will be carried live on the internet on sportsjuice.com.