The South Central Regional eight-team tournament kicked off Friday afternoon as Metro State of Denver hosted the St. Mary's Rattlers of Pottsboro Texas inside Colorado Mesa's Brownson Arena.
 
The Roadrunners of Metro State were knocked back onto their heals at the start of the game as the Rattlers scored seven points unanswered. Despite the Rattlers coming out with a very strong start, the game stayed close through the opening half. Metro would enter the half an impressive eight points ahead of the St Mary's Rattlers.
 
Metro States Amy Nelson was responsible for 15 of the Roadrunners 28 points in the first half as she also recorded six rebounds in the first 20 minutes.
 
Senior Rattler Felicia Jacobs tied Junior Jackie Wood St. Mary's in the first half with the most points for the Rattlers, each scoring five points apiece.
 
Nearly a full three minutes passed at the start of the second half before either team could manage to find the basket, when they did it was Metro State extending their lead. The remainder of the game and the second half stayed incredibly close all the way through the end. A last second three-point jumper off the hands of Jackie Woods missed as time ran out on the first game of the tournament. No. 6 Metro State would win the game 58-55
 
Metro's Amy Nelson and Kristin Valencia combined for 31 of the Road Runners points.  Nelson had 11 rebounds and tallied two assists.
 
For the Snakes, Felicia Jacobs stepped up in the second half and led the Snakes in scoring with 18 points throughout the game. Jacobs also had 10 rebounds and four assists.
 
The Road Runners will advance to play Saturday night in the semifinals.