November 18, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Women's College Basketball

University of Maine 70, Rider University 35

LAWRENCEVILLE—The Broncs dropped the season opener to Maine Friday.  “We just didn’t compete,” said Rider head coach Tori Harrison. “When you don’t do the little things, this is what you get.”

Ashley Underwood scored 22 points, making six three-point field goals, and Katie Whittier added 15 points and 13 rebounds to lead Maine to victory. “We let #10 (Underwood) take all of those open threes,” said Harrison.  “I don’t think Maine is 35 points better than us,” said Harrison.  “We just couldn’t score.”

Maine(1-0) scored the first nine points of the game and jumped out to a 15-2 lead, eight by Underwood, and the Black Bears led 34-13 at the half. “Once we got into that scoring rut we were in trouble,” said Harrison.

For Rider (0-1), junior Monica Welborn (Harrisburg, PA/Central Dauphin) and sophomore Janele Henderson (Brooklyn, NY/Bishop Loughlin) each had a team-high 10 points. “Monica looked very good, and I’m very proud of Janele,” said Harrison.  “She’s been out a week and a half, and tonight she really competed for us. We missed her in practice.”

Shaunice Parker (Waldorf, MD/West Lake) compiled eight points and five rebounds for the Broncs.

Rider travels to San Francisco for the Odwalla Classic, taking on host San Francisco November 25.  “Hopefully we’ll get (junior) Kara (Borel) back (from a concussion) and we’ll be better,” said Harrison.  “We’ll look at the film and prepare for the trip.”

-RU-