CANYON, Texas – West Texas A&M junior Taylor Haggan reached 1,000 career points on Friday afternoon as the #6 Lady Buffs outlasted the St. Mary's Rattlers in the Lone Star Conference Quarterfinals at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
 
WT started the first quarter with strong pressure, securing an early lead thanks to Taylor Haggan's layup and jumper, complemented by a fast-break layup from Randi Harding. Defensive efforts were highlighted by Claire Graham, who grabbed key rebounds, maintaining momentum for the home team.
 
The hosts executed effectively in the paint, matching the visitors' inside scoring while also capitalizing on turnovers. Kyla Kane's timely jump shot and a three-pointer from Chloe Callahan further extended the lead. As the quarter closed, the Lady Buffs led St. Mary's 20-15.
 
WT began the second quarter with a strong offensive surge, initiated by Kane's 3-pointer at 9:34. Haggan capitalized on this momentum with two consecutive layups, extending the lead. The team displayed efficient ball movement, with assists from Harding and Kenadee Winfrey facilitating scoring opportunities.
 
Despite St. Mary's attempts to close the gap, the Buffs maintained defensive pressure and secured key rebounds. Graham's 3-pointer at 7:48 further solidified the home team's lead. The quarter concluded with both teams scoring 16 points, resulting in a 36-31 advantage for the Lady Buffs at halftime.
 
West Tex. A&M opened the third quarter with a strong defensive presence, highlighted by Kane's steal early in the period. However, the team struggled offensively, missing several attempts from the field, going 2-for-14 overall. Despite these challenges, they capitalized on free throw opportunities, scoring six points from the line, which helped to maintain a narrow margin.
 
St. Mary's briefly took advantage with key 3-pointers, including one that tied the score at 40-40 with 4:16 left. The quarter saw multiple lead changes, but Haggan stepped up with a crucial layup assisted by Karley Motschenbacher, leveling the score 46-46 with 9 seconds remaining. The quarter concluded with a defensive stop by the Lady Buffs, ensuring the teams remained tied heading into the final quarter.
 
West Tex. A&M started the fourth quarter strong with a layup by Motschenbacher, assisted by Haggan, to take the lead at 9:47. The team maintained momentum with key defensive plays, including a block by Kane, and a series of successful foul shots, extending their advantage midway through the period.
 
The Lady Buffs continued to pressure St. Mary's with consistent scoring in the paint. Motschenbacher contributed significantly with multiple layups and crucial free throws, increasing the lead. Despite St. Mary's efforts to close the gap with 3-pointers, the Buffs' steady defense and scoring ensured they retained control. The period concluded with Harding securing the win by converting key free throws in the final seconds, resulting in a 66-62 victory for the Lady Buffs.
 
Harding contributed 13 points and recorded three steals in the game. Kane added 12 points and collected five rebounds. Motschenbacher scored 15 points and secured seven rebounds while also making seven of eight free throws. Haggan posted 15 points and pulled down six rebounds.
 
The Lady Buffs will battle the third-seeded Patriots of UT Tyler on Saturday night in the semifinal round with tipoff set for 8:30 p.m. at the Comerica Center in Frisco.