Springfield, Mass. – It’s been one of those seasons for the Colorado Chill of the National Women’s Basketball League (NWBL), as they have faced many obstacles in their first season of existence.

One obstacle in the inaugural season had been playing games on the road. Entering Sunday afternoon’s game against the Springfield Spirit the Chill were 7-5 on the season and sitting in second place in the league standings. Colorado had won only one game on the road, which came in their last game out versus the Birmingham Power, but are perfect in all games played at the Budweiser Events Center.

On Sunday, the Chill put one of their best efforts out on the road as they took the Spirit out of Springfield with an 83-69 win. The Chill had five players finish the game in double-figures, with point guard Helen Darling leading the way with 16 points.

A second obstacle the Chill have faced this year has been playing without their marquee players. Colorado has been without the services of Becky Hammon all season as she recovers from a knee injury. Edna Campbell has missed time due to a shoulder injury, and the Chill are currently without center Ruth Riley who is away in Cuba competing with the National team.

Filling in for Riley, is Detroit Shock forward Jill Chapman-Daily. Against the Spirit, Chapman-Daily trailed only Darling on the scoreboard as she finished with 15 points and seven rebounds. Other players in double-figures for the Chill were Maren Walseth, Jenny Roulier and Campbell who all finished the game with 14 points.

For the first time all season Colorado All-Star Katie Cronin was held below double-digits for two straight games. Cronin stepped it up in other categories as she finished with seven rebounds and a game-high seven assists.

Leading the way for the Spirit in the loss was Rita Williams who scored a game-high 18 points. NWBL All-Star Game MVP, Stacey Clinesmith was held to only five points on 1-of-5 shooting from the floor.

With the win Colorado improved to 2-5 on the road, and 8-5 on the season. The Chill leaped over the Houston Stealth (6-4) into first place in the NWBL.

The game against Springfield is the team’s last game until next Saturday (February 28) when the Chill will play host to the Dallas Fury. Colorado is 1-2 against the Fury this season with both teams winning all games on their home court. Tip-off for the Saturday night game is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST.

The NWBL is a six-team league that features 27 active WNBA players. Other teams in the league include the Birmingham Power (Birmingham, Ala.); Springfield Spirit (Springfield, Mass.); Dallas Fury (Dallas, Texas); Houston Stealth (Houston, Texas); Colorado Chill (Ft. Collins, Colo.) and Chicago Blaze (Chicago, Ill.).

Aaron M. Moore, Media Relations Director
Contact: 720-318-1205