Nov. 13, 2009

Box Score

RICHMOND, Va. - Western Carolina women's basketball opened the 2009-10 campaign with a 65-42 loss at Richmond Friday at the Robbins Center. The Catamounts drop to 0-1 to start the Karen Middleton era while the Spiders open the season 1-0.

The game began with both teams feeling each other out and doing a nip and tuck in the scoring department. Richmond built a 16-10 lead before the Catamounts scratched back within two points, going on an 8-2 run to pull within two points, 18-16. Junior guard Kendra Carroll's fast break jumper, scoring two of her team-high 10 points, shaved the Spider lead to two.

With 7:20 left in the first half, Western Carolina had a chance to tie the game when senior forward Kristen Feemster was fouled and earned a trip to the free throw line. Feemster missed both free throws and the ball went back to Richmond.

The Spiders closed out the first half 15-3 run to build a 33-19 advantage at the half. Senior guard Jessica Jackson nailed a three-pointer to start the second half, but the Catamounts then went four minutes without scoring allowing Richmond scored seven un-answered points The Catamounts found themselves in hole and could never dig themselves out of it.

Western Carolina shot 36.4 percent from the field and hit just one three-pointer. The Catamounts were also 9-of-16 from the free throw line. Richmond won the rebound advantage by one, 34-33.

Feemster paced the club in rebounds with 10, which was also a game-high, and also added six points. Sophomore Kaila'Shea Menendez also added six points in the contest.

Western Carolina continues its road swing on Sunday facing East Carolina. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.