Women's Basketball starts season with win
Tyler Harrison | Contributing Writer
Issue date: 11/18/09 Section: Sports
The UNC Wilmington women's basketball team opened their 2009-10 season strong Sunday with a dominating 84-53 victory over Wofford University in Trask Coliseum. Head coach Ann Hancock was proud of her team and their first-game victory. "I'm pleased with the way we played," she said. "It's been a long time since we scored 84 points in a game." The point total was the team's highest since the 2007-08 season.
The Seahawks, with five returning starters, began the game strong. They held a steady 10-point throughout the first half before heading to the locker room up by 13.
The Seahawks built on their encouraging first half expanding their lead later with at least a 20-point difference during the majority of the second half. Forward Brittany Blackwell led the team with 18 points. Greta Luksyte [12], Casey Sawhook [11] and newcomer Jessica Freeman [11] also scored in double digits for the Seahawks.
Defensively, the Seahawks put in a strong effort as well. They were able to meet Hancock's goal of keeping Wofford at 55 points or less. Center Martha White was a force down low, contributing five blocks, while Blackwell and Freeman boosted the effort with seven steals between them.
On Wofford's front, forward Mahagony Williams posed biggest challenge for the Seahawks scoring 12 points. Natalie Gramblin and Kelly Dwyer also put forward an offensive effort with both scoring 8 points apiece. Dwyer also led her team defensively with three steals. Williams performed strongly on the defensive end, blocking two shots.
The Seahawks victory Sunday and their exhibition victory against Pembroke both point toward a successful season for the Seahawks. Blackwell, a preseason All-Colonial Athletic Association selection, is a consistent asset and heavy scorer for the team. With other players, including freshman Jessica Freeman, putting up big numbers, the Seahawks couldn't be starting off their season any better.
The Seahawks will be back in action at Trask Coliseum Friday, Nov. 27, at 6 p.m. against Monmouth University. The Seahawks will have their hands full that weekend, with a match-up against in-state foes, Davidson, the next afternoon.
The Seahawks, with five returning starters, began the game strong. They held a steady 10-point throughout the first half before heading to the locker room up by 13.
The Seahawks built on their encouraging first half expanding their lead later with at least a 20-point difference during the majority of the second half. Forward Brittany Blackwell led the team with 18 points. Greta Luksyte [12], Casey Sawhook [11] and newcomer Jessica Freeman [11] also scored in double digits for the Seahawks.
Defensively, the Seahawks put in a strong effort as well. They were able to meet Hancock's goal of keeping Wofford at 55 points or less. Center Martha White was a force down low, contributing five blocks, while Blackwell and Freeman boosted the effort with seven steals between them.
On Wofford's front, forward Mahagony Williams posed biggest challenge for the Seahawks scoring 12 points. Natalie Gramblin and Kelly Dwyer also put forward an offensive effort with both scoring 8 points apiece. Dwyer also led her team defensively with three steals. Williams performed strongly on the defensive end, blocking two shots.
The Seahawks victory Sunday and their exhibition victory against Pembroke both point toward a successful season for the Seahawks. Blackwell, a preseason All-Colonial Athletic Association selection, is a consistent asset and heavy scorer for the team. With other players, including freshman Jessica Freeman, putting up big numbers, the Seahawks couldn't be starting off their season any better.
The Seahawks will be back in action at Trask Coliseum Friday, Nov. 27, at 6 p.m. against Monmouth University. The Seahawks will have their hands full that weekend, with a match-up against in-state foes, Davidson, the next afternoon.
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