Nov. 14, 2007

Final Stats

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: G. STAN BRADLEY, UMES ATHLETICS

PRINCESS ANNE, Md.--The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) women's basketball team picked up its first win of the season tonight, topping North Carolina Central University (NCCU) 54-32 and with it earned Head Coach Fred Batchelor's 100th career win.

Kristi Veltkamp (Hudsonvile, Mich./Lansing Home School) turned in a solid first half,scoring 15 points and grabbing three rebounds. She would finish with 16 points and seven boards to lead the Lady Hawks in both categories. Veltkamp and Jessica Ayilola (Brooklyn, N.Y./Robert Morris Univ.) played a two woman game on the inside, dominating the middle. Ayilola would add five points and get seven boards as well to round out a strong presence.

The Lady Hawks were dominant in the paint, out rebounding the smaller Lady Eagles 47-29 and out scoring them in the paint 32-10."It was great to have our two bigs have a good game at the same time. That made it very difficult to defend us tonight," said Batchelor. "All around we took a tremendous step to becoming a more cohesive unit tonight."

Tiffany Reid (Philadelphia, Pa/National Christian Academy) was the only other Hawk in double figures, she added 13. The `unit' was impressive top to bottom with April McBride (New Rochelle, N.Y./New Rochelle N.Y.) scoring all eight of her points in the second half. Casey Morton (Mardela Springs, Md./Mardela H.S.) got the start again. The freshmen point guard scored only three points but snatched seven rebounds.

UMES was without a made three point shot all evening. They averaged over three and a half made per game last season. It was January 15, 2007 against Delaware State when UMES last went without a three point goal. Coincidentally, UMES also won that game.

The Hawks also took care of the ball better, committing only 21 turnovers and forcing 24. UMES (1-1) committed 30 in their opener on Saturday. The Lady Hawks defense didn't just force turnovers but contained the Lady Eagles offense. Their 32 points matches a season low, the same they scored against North Carolina. NCCU's (0-3) last field goal was with 9:40 left in the game.

The Lady Eagles were led by LaVonna Hailey and Tonia Roundtree who both had seven points. Jori Nwachukwu had a team high seven rebounds.

"Were still young," said Batchelor. "We are still getting ready to play our style of basketball. This will be a team that peaks later this year, but I believe that will be at the right time."

Nonetheless, UMES got the win tonight and with it Batchelor's 100th career victory. "The 100 wins are more about the kids who worked hard and dedicated themselves. This is a tribute to those kids and the great staff I have had the pleasure to work with. It feels good, especially since it took seven games to get it." UMES hadn't won since February 17, 2007 at Florida A&M.

The Hawks look to make it back to back wins on Saturday when they host the Purple Eagles of Niagara University at 2:00 pm in the Hytche Center.