FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11-22-03

Charleston, AASU Pick Up Wins On Final Day Of 2003 AASU/Chatham Orthopaedics Tip-Off Classic

SAVANNAH, Ga. - The University of Charleston women’s basketball team recorded its second straight impressive victory, while the No. 11-ranked Armstrong Atlantic State Lady Pirates got back on the winning track in the final day of the 2003 AASU/Chatham Orthopaedics Tip-Off Classic on Saturday afternoon at Alumni Arena. Charleston defeatd UNC Pembroke, 91-74, while AASU knocked off Fayetteville State, 78-70.

The Golden Eagles (3-0) raced out to a 49-34 lead at halftime, then outscored the Lady Braves (0-2) 17-2 after the break to open up a 30-point lead and coast to the victory. Charleston’s true freshman guard Courtney Thomas was named the Classic MVP after registering a double-double against UNCP with 12 points, 11 assists and six steals. All-Tournament honoree Lisa Lee scored 21 points for the Golden Eagles and fellow all-tourney honoree Sarah Batchelder added 17 points. UNC Pembroke was led by Koral Stache’s game-high 23 points on 8-of-14 shooting, including 5-of-9 three-pointers, and all-tournament honoree Danielle Richardson, who added 11 points.

In the second game, the Lady Pirates (2-0) trailed Fayetteville State by three, 36-33, at halftime, but sprinted out on a 22-6 run out of halftime to take control of the contest. Senior Tasha Washington – who scored four points in three minutes of action in the first half, thanks to foul trouble – exploded for 21 second-half points, including going a perfect 11-of-11 from the free-throw line, to lead all scorers. Freshman Kaneetha Gordon added 12 points and senior Vandy Noldon recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Fayetteville State (1-1) placed four players in double figures, led by All-Tournament honoree Monica Mason’s 16 points and five assists. Joreka Bess added 13 points as well. AASU placed two players on the All-Tournament team, senior Marloes Renskers and sophomore Alicia Durham.

The Lady Pirates return to action on Tuesday, November 25, as they host Morris College at 6:00 p.m. AASU is collecting canned food for the needy and fans bringing two cans of food to the game will receive complimentary admission for one.

- Pirates -