SAN ANGELO, Texas – The Angelo State women's basketball team will kick off 2026 with a pair of Lone Star Conference games against UT Tyler and Texas Woman's at the Junell Center/Stephens Arena beginning on Friday, Jan. 2.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Friday, Jan. 2
vs UT Tyler Patriots
Junell Center/Stephens Arena – San Angelo, Texas
5:30 p.m.
Watch | Listen | Live Stats

Sunday, Jan. 4
vs Texas Woman's Pioneers
Junell Center/Stephens Arena – San Angelo, Texas
1 p.m.
Watch | Listen | Live Stats

GAME THEME: City of San Angelo Appreciation Weekend! Any COSA employee and their immediate family get in free with their badge.

LAST TIME OUT
The Rambelles overcame a nine-point, first-quarter deficit to take down Emporia State 72-64 on Dec. 20 at the Junell Center-Stephens Arena. Keniah Williams led the Rambelles in scoring as she recorded her third double-double (25 points, 12 rebounds). Majik Esquivel led followed with 23 points as the Belles won the turnover battle (18-13) and rebounding margin (44-41).

SCOUTING UTT
UT Tyler enters the weekend with a 6-6 overall record and 2-1 in LSC play. Most recently, the Patriots lost both contests in their DII Christmas Tournament against Adams State (52-57) and Fort Lewis (53-60).

Offensively, the Hornets average 59.5 points per game while shooting 37.8 percent from the field, 28.6 percent from beyond the arch and 62.1 percent from the free throw line. Hayley Cumming paces the team, scoring 11.7 points per game. Leila Davis and Polina Latysheva follow with 10.9 and 9.3 points per game, respectively.

Defensively, UTT allows 52 points per game, which includes allowing 37.5 percent of shots from the field. Furthermore, the Hornets average over 33.8 rebounds per game, led by Mileina Sablinskaite, who leads with 5.9 per game individually.

SCOUTING TWU
Texas Woman's enters the weekend with a 9-1 overall record and a perfect 3-0 in the LSC. Most recently, the Pioneers roll through NCCAA opponent Dallas Christian 87-35 on Dec. 20.

Offensively, the Pioneers average 71.4 points per game while shooting 46.6 percent from the field, 34.0 percent from beyond the arch and 74.5 percent from the free throw line. Gabby Elliott paces the team, scoring 16.1 points per game. Averee Kleinhans (15.1), Madi Lumsden (11.4) and Jada Celsur (11.3) round out the core four of the team's scoring.

Defensively, TWU allows 54.5 points per game, which includes allowing 35.2 percent of shots from the field. Furthermore, the Pioneers average over 35.8 rebounds per game, led by Elliott, who leads with 10.1 per game.

RAMBLINGS ABOUT THE RAMBELLES
KENIAH'S CROWN
Keniah William was named Lone Star Conference Offensive Player of the Week on Dec. 22 after she totaled 35 points while leading the Rambelles to back-to-back victories over Texas A&M International and Emporia State to snap a five-game skid. She posted a career-high 25 points against Emporia State and recorded her third double-double of the season against the Lady Hornets. In addition to her offensive production, Williams made a strong impact on the defensive end, totaling 21 rebounds, eight blocks, three assists and one steal across the two contests.

QUICK HITS
- Majik Esquivel leads the Rambelles in scoring with 124 points scored (13.8 per game).

- Esquivel, along with Taylor Grona and Landry Morrow, has been disruptive defensively, combining for 45 steals total.

- Senior center Keniah Williams recorded three double-doubles thus far this season in the matchups against Western Colorado, Pitt State and most recently, Emporia State. She now has 16 double-doubles in her collegiate career.

- The Rambelles find themselves among the conference leaders in a few categories, including Blocked Shots Per Game (5.0), Defensive Field Goal Percentage (35.4), Offensive Rebounding Average (16.0), and Total Rebounding Average (41.44).

2024-25 SEASON RECAP
The story of the Rambelles' 18–12 record in the 2024-25 campaign was one defined by streaks. Angelo State opened the season 2–0 before hitting a three-game skid, only to respond with an 11-game winning streak that propelled them back into contention. A late stretch of ups and downs — two losses, three wins, six losses, and two more victories — ultimately led to a first-round exit in the NCAA South Central Regional at the hands of Texas Woman's University.

EXPERIENCE TO SHARE
After fielding one of her youngest squads last season, head coach Alesha Ellis enters the 2025–26 campaign with a veteran-heavy roster. The Rambelles feature five seniors, one junior, five sophomores, and just two freshmen, giving the team a strong balance of leadership and youthful energy.

NEW FACES, NEW VIBES
The Rambelles welcome four newcomers to the roster this season, highlighted by Division I transfers Tristin Keller (Abilene Christian) and Stevi Lockheart (Lindenwood). They'll be joined by freshmen Halle Hughes, a standout from Christoval High School, and Dragana Scepanovic, a promising European addition who brings international experience to the squad.

THE COUNTDOWN TO 100 (at ASU)
Head coach Alesha Ellis is on the brink of a major milestone as she enters her fifth season leading the Rambelles. She sits just 19 wins away from reaching 100 victories at Angelo State University. The former Texas Tech Red Raider has compiled an impressive career record of 271–102 over 12 seasons, including a 82–50 mark in her four full seasons at ASU.