Nov. 17, 2002

Final Stats

Cullowhee, N.C. - The Western Carolina women's basketball team fell short to a star-studded Charlotte Stars team, 79-73, in WCU's final exhibition game of the preseason in the Ramsey Center Sunday. The Catamounts finish their preseason schedule 1-1.

The Catamounts, led by freshman Kala Greene's game-high 19 points and nine rebounds, led by as many as eight points in the first half before giving up the lead for good on a layup by the Stars' Nikki Herron (Belmont Abbey) to make it 18-17 in the Stars' favor. A 3-pointer from junior Tiffany Hamm tied the game at 20 a piece. The Cats later came to within one point after senior Marsha McGillivary drove in for the layup and made the free throw after the foul. However, former Charlotte Sting and WNBA All-Star Andrea Stinson (N.C. State) answered with a trey to pull away. The Stars took a 39-36 lead into halftime.

Charlotte led by as many as 10 points in the second period at 73-63 before the Catamounts sparked a comeback, going on a 8-0 run to bring the game within two points with 3:10 left in the game. However, the Cats could not get any closer and Charlotte went on to win 79-73.

The Stars also boast two other former WNBA players on their roster. Rhonda Mapp (N.C. State) and Keisha Anderson (Wisconsin) both played for the Charlotte Sting.

Hamm contributed 14 points and three rebounds for the Cats, while sophomore Jennifer Gardner recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Ki-Ki Glass had a game-high five assists, adding five points and a steal. Yoneko Allen had two take-aways for Western and six points.

The Catamounts begin the regular-season on the road at Gardner-Webb on Friday, Nov. 22. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 pm. The team plays its first home game next Sunday, Nov. 24, at 2 pm in the RAC as the Cats face High Point.