University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Lady Eagles Open Season With Exhibition Game
11/4/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 4, 2009
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- The Southern Miss women's basketball team officially tips off the 2009-10 season, hosting University of Mobile in an exhibition game Thursday at 7 p.m., in Reed Green Coliseum.
Southern Miss finished 20-12 last season falling just short of a regular season conference title and a trip to the NCAA Tournament.
The Lady Eagles return eight letterwinners that include only one starter. Headlining the returning players is preseason All-Conference USA selection senior Pauline Love. Love was one of only three players in the league to average a double-double and has led Southern Miss in scoring and rebounding the last two seasons. Joining Love will be senior Candace Rucker and junior Tanesha Washington who both played in all 32 games. Washington was tabbed the Sixth Player of the Year in C-USA and averaged 7.3 points and 3.1 rebounds, while Rucker tallied 6.6 points per game.
Also returning are juniors Brittany Johnson (2.7 ppg), Robin Murphy (2.7 ppg) and Lauren Pittman (1,9 ppg), sophomores Erin Gatling (2.3 ppg) and Whitney McNelis.
Head Coach Joye Lee-McNelis is entering her sixth season at Southern Miss and her 19th overall. McNelis welcomes four newcomers to the 2009-10 squad, Kassietta Brown, Geneshia Dunbar, Danielle Johnson and Ashlee Kelly.
The Lady Eagles open the regular season, Nov. 14, when the host South Alabama. Game time is set for 2 p.m., and can be heard on WXHB-FM 96.5 with the "Voice of the Lady Eagles" Josh West providing play-by-play action, while former legendary coach Kay James providing color commentary.
Season tickets are still available and for more information, contact the Southern Miss Ticket Office at 1-800-844-TICK (1-800-844-8425).
