November 25, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Women's College Basketball

University of San Francisco 80, Rider University 44
Odwalla Classic

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.--Despite the return of junior Kara Borel (East Stroudsburg, PA), the Broncs fell to the host Dons in the first round of the Odwalla Classic, held at the University of San Francisco Friday night.

Borel, after missing two weeks with a concussion, returned to the line up for her first game of the season and compiled 11 points, five rebounds and three assists. “It was good to have Kara back,” said Rider head coach Tori Harrison. “Her presence was felt in that 10 minute stretch.  Now we just need to feel her presence for 40 minutes.  Kara’s leadership is very important to this team.”

The five rebounds for Borel gives her 402 for her career, already 17th highest ever at Rider. Borel led Rider in rebounding in each of her first two seasons as a Bronc.

USF (1-2) jumped out to a 17-0 lead, eight points by 6’1” junior forward Nickie Warren, and the Dons led 29-9 mid-way through the first half while holding a 15-1 advantage in rebounds. Warren finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds, all in the first half, as San Fran led 44-17 at intermission. “Again we got off to a slow start,” said Harrison. “I think seeing Oklahoma play may have shaken us a little.  We finally woke up in the last ten minutes of the game, which when you are down by 30 points it is really too late.  We have to learn that no matter what the situation or the score you must play your hardest.” 

Rider (0-2) made nine of 11 foul shots in the contest, but was out-rebounded 47-21.

Rider sophomore Janele Henderson (Brooklyn, NY/Bishop Loughlin) and freshman Shaunice Parker (Waldorf, MD/West Lake) each added eight points. “I have to find more minutes for Janele Henderson,” said Harrison. “The one thing she can do is put up numbers and right now we are struggling to score,” said Harrison.

For USF, 5’10” sophomore guard Dominique Carter added 14 points and eight rebounds.

Rider now plays the University of Iowa from the Big 10 in the consolation game Saturday at 8:00pm (EST). “Now if we can all come to play in the first half instead of waiting until 10 minutes left in the second half and when we are down by 30, we would be alright,” said Harrison.

Friday’s game was the first ever between Rider and San Francisco, and Rider has never met Iowa in women’s basketball.

The Broncs return home to host Hartford on Tuesday, November 29, at 7pm.

-RU-