ST. GEORGE, Utah (Interstat) — A surging Abilene Christian team will look to continue its winning ways when it visits Utah Tech to open Western Athletic Conference women’s basketball play on Thursday. The Wildcats (9-4) enter the New Year’s Day matchup at Burns Arena having won five of their last six games, including a dominant 112-54 victory over Nelson on Monday. Utah Tech (5-6) seeks to rebound from a 78-60 road loss to Southern Utah that same day. Abilene Christian’s offense has been potent, averaging 86 points during its current three-game win streak. A key catalyst is guard Payton Hull, who is coming off a 23-point, seven-assist performance in just 23 minutes against Nelson. Over her last five games, Hull is averaging 18.6 points and has scored 23 points twice. The Trailblazers will counter with forward Paige Cofer, their leading scorer in two of the last three games. Cofer posted 18 points in the loss to Southern Utah and recorded 11 points and eight rebounds in a win over Chicago State on Dec. 17. Consistency has been a challenge for Utah Tech, which has alternated wins and losses in its last five contests. The Wildcats have shown a balanced attack. In the rout of Nelson, Erin Woodson added 21 points and seven rebounds, while Meredith Mayes contributed 12 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Utah Tech’s Chardonnay Hartley (14 points) and Kaylee Borden (11 points, five assists) provided support alongside Cofer in the team’s most recent outing. This game marks the conference opener for both programs. Abilene Christian will aim to leverage its strong non-conference record, which includes a narrow 62-59 loss at Northwestern and a 10-point defeat at Texas Tech. Utah Tech’s non-conference slate featured an 81-54 loss at Arizona State but also a home victory over Portland State. The Trailblazers have defended their home court well, posting a 5-2 record in St. George this season. Abilene Christian is 3-3 in true road games. Thursday’s contest begins a pivotal stretch for both teams. Abilene Christian travels to face Utah Valley on Saturday, while Utah Tech hosts California Baptist next Thursday. The teams will meet again in St. George on Jan. 29. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. MST at Burns Arena.