 |
Women's Basketball Set For Exhibition Saturday
Nov. 6, 2002 SPOKANE, Wash. - The Gonzaga University women's basketball team kicks off preseason play Saturday with an exhibition game against the Lewis-Clark State College Warriors at 7 p.m. at the Kennel.
Lewis-Clark defeated the Northwest College Lady Eagles 91-63 during their first preseason contest Saturday. The Warriors of Lewiston, Idaho are ranked No. 19 in the NAIA preseason poll as they are coming off a successful season, finishing 23-11 overall and advancing to the round of sixteen during the 2001 NAIA playoffs.
Gonzaga and Lewis-Clark meet for the 17th time Saturday. Gonzaga has won the last 12 consecutive games as they hold a 12-4 advantage going into Saturday's tilt.
"I think we are ready to play someone different," said Gonzaga head coach Kelly Graves about the first game of the year. "We are ready and some of the freshman are nervous, which is a good thing, they're getting prepared."
"Once the lights go on, some players will play differently and it will be interesting to see who steps up," said Graves of his balanced roster as he adds six newcomers and returns six letterwinners. "I've been really impressed, our kids are clicking on and off the court."
Sophomore guard and Gonzaga Prep product Juliann Laney suffered a torn ACL in September and will take a medical redshirt for the season. Junior center Anne Bickelhaupt separated her shoulder during practice last week but is hopeful for Saturday's game.
Saturday night's contest marks the only exhibition game the Bulldogs will play during the preseason. Gonzaga begins the regular-season schedule Friday, Nov. 22, on the road against the University of Oregon Ducks in Eugene, Ore.
|
