Nov. 4, 2001
Cullowhee, N.C. - The Western Carolina women's basketball team defeated the Charlotte Stars, 87-80, in the team's first exhibition game of the season. Four Lady Catamounts scored double figures in the game.
Western trailed by as much as seven (10-17) in the first seven minutes of the game. Two 3-pointers by junior Yoneko Allen brought the Lady Cats within one (18-19) at the 10:19 mark. A jumper by Allen gave Western a two point lead to go into halftime. (40-38).
The two teams battled back and forth in the second half and tied (51-51) at the 13:14 mark when freshman Miranda Long nailed two free-throws. Western did not let down for the remainder of the game and led by as many as 11 (74-63) with less than three minutes in the game.
Allen led the Lady Cats in scoring with 16, she also grabbed two steals and four rebounds. Allen hit 3-for-7 from behind the arch. Adding 15 points to Western's score was 2001 Southern Conference Freshman of the Year, Tiffany Hamm. Two-time All-Southern Conference Team member Laura Echols recorded 12 points and seven rebounds. Ki-Ki Glass and Janetta Heggins added 10 and 11 points, respectively. Heggins also led the team in rebounds with eight.
The Stars were led by Julia Burton, who played at UNC Charlotte, with 20 points and Tia Pascal, formerly at Florida State, with 22.
The women's basketball team will host its second exhibition game, Saturday, November 10 against the Atlanta Blackhawks. Game time is set for 7:00 pm in the Ramsey Center.
