CHANDLER, Ariz. – The Stephens College Stars opened the Cactus Classic with a 73-64 victory over Montana Western on Thursday evening. 

The Stars (6-5, 3-3 AMC) relied on balanced scoring and dominant rebounding to secure their fourth straight victory. 

Trinitee Alexander was a key contributor, posting nine points and grabbing 10 rebounds, falling just shy of her first double-double as a Star. LaiJanique Perry-Ellis led the way offensively with a game-high 17 points, while Taylor Norris added 13 points, including four three-pointers.

Montana Western came out firing, shooting 62.5% from the field and building a 23-14 lead. 

Norris kept the Stars competitive with two early three-pointers, while Syderah Farmer added a layup off a steal.

Stephens responded in the second quarter with a dominant 23-10 run. 

Paula Puzule sparked the offense with a three-pointer, while Alexander's strong rebounding and defensive presence fueled the momentum shift. 

Alonna Harvey-Williams shot from the arc to give the Stars their first lead of the game at the half 37-33.

The Stars extended their lead in the third quarter behind the sharpshooting of Norris and the interior dominance of Alexander. 

Casandra Sams chipped in with a key putback layup, and Farmer hit a three-pointer to push the lead to 55-50 entering the fourth.

In the final frame, Harvey-Williams made a layup off a steal to stretch the lead to 69-62. 

Alexander continued to dominate the boards, grabbing two crucial defensive rebounds in the closing minutes to secure the win.

The Stars return to action in Day Two of the Cactus Classic, facing Carroll College on Dec. 20 at 5 p.m. Central Time.