Lehigh University Athletics
Lehigh University
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UNC-Asheville
Lehigh wins season opener at Fifth Third Classic
11/19/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Huntington, WV – Lehigh opened up the 2004-05 season with a victory as the Mountain Hawks defeated UNC-Asheville 61-51 in the semifinals of the Fifth Third MU Classic, hosted by
The Mountain Hawks showed some first game jitters early, as evidenced by 14 first half turnovers. With 12 minutes to go, the Mountain Hawks utilized a 10-2 run to turn a two point lead into a ten point advantage. Lehigh was able to keep Kristal Hood, the Bulldog’s leading scorer without a field goal in the first half. The Brown and White led by eight, 31-23 at the half.
UNC-Asheville started the second half reeling off four quick points, but the Mountain Hawks refocused after a time out and were able to build the lead back to double digits following a pair of jumpers from Carli Toliver and three pointer from Chantal St. Laurent and were able to hold on for the win.
“Defensively we did a good job,” said coach Sue Troyan. “We put in a new scheme and the kids adjusted well to it.” The Lehigh defense held the Bulldogs to a mere 36 percent shooting on the night while shooting 48 percent themselves.
Senior Jessica DePalo led the Mountain Hawks in scoring with 25, while sophomore Sara Ellis contributed 11 points, 12 rebounds and five assists, including several pretty feeds in transition.
“Sara and Jess both played well, but we need to get some more people involved on offense and cut down on turnovers in our next game,” Troyan said.
Lehigh will face the winner of Marshall and UT Pan American in the finals on Saturday afternoon. If the Mountain Hawks face
