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 Junior Sigita Maleraite led all scorers with 14 points against the Charlotte Stars to help give WCU the 75-43 win. |
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Nov. 16, 2003
Cullowhee, N.C. - Six Catamounts scored in double-figures to help Western Carolina dismantle the Charlotte Stars, 75-43, Sunday afternoon. Western wrapped up its preseason with the win to give them a perfect 2-0 record in exhibition play as the Cats head into the regular-season Friday.
Senior Yoneko Allen and junior Jennifer Gardner got the first half off to a good start, scoring nine points apiece to lead the team. All nine of Allen's points came from beyond the 3-point line, while Gardner went 4-of-5 from the field, adding one free throw. While each team shot 33.3 percent from the field in the first period, the Catamounts out-rebounded the Stars, 33-22. WCU forced seven Charlotte turnovers while only committing three heading into halftime with a 35-24 advantage.
Western came out strong in the second half, improving the team's shooting to 41 percent while holding the Stars to 21.6 shooting. The Catamounts forced another 10 turnovers and stole the ball five of those times to put the Cats in good position to score in transition. The home team came up with 29 boards in the second half as the Stars had just 24.
Jackie Fields was the only Charlotte player to score in double figures, tallying 10 for the game, while Western Carolina had six in double digits. Junior Sigita Maleraite led the Cats with 14 points, adding eight rebounds, four assists and a steal. Allen finished with 13 points, five boards, two assists and a steal. Senior Tiffany Hamm posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, adding two assists and a block. Juniors Lori Tanner and Shaketia Barnes tallied 10 points apiece, while Gardner finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, an assist and a team-high two blocks.
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Western Carolina begins its regular-season Friday, Nov. 21, at Campbell. Game time is set for 7 pm in Buies Creek, N.C.
