November 18, 2003
Farmville, Va. - The Longwood University women's basketball team was victorious in its home opener this evening as they held off Lenoir-Rhyne 63-59 in Lancer Hall. The Lancers improve to 2-1 with the win, while the Bears drop to 1-2.
Longwood led by as many as six points in the first half, with junior All-American Candidate Marita Meldere (Rujiena, Lativa/Lynchburg Christian) hitting five of eight shots from the floor. Lenoir-Rhyne went on a 4-0 run to close the lead to 26-24 at the end of the half.
The Lancers came out strong in the second half, building the lead to 54-39. However, an almost four minute scoring drought allowed the Bears to come with in four points with less than three minutes left when Lanica Williams stole the ball and ran down the court for an easy lay-up. Senior Ebony Smith (Palmyra, Va./Fluvanna County) connected on a pair of free throws late in the game to give Longwood a 59-52 advantage. Lenoir-Rhyne got to within four with 17 seconds to go, but the Lancers managed to pullout the victory.
Meldere tallied her third consecutive double-figure scoring night and second double-double of the season with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Senior Erica Marcum (Charleston, W.Va/George Washington) chipped in 11 points, three steals and two assists, while freshman Ashleigh Hollman Centreville, Va./Westfield) came off the points to add 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting. Smith pulled down a career-high 11 rebounds as well.
Meldere tallied her third consecutive double-figure scoring night and second double-double of the season with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Senior Erica Marcum (Charleston, W.Va/George Washington) chipped in 11 points, three steals and two assists, while freshman Ashleigh Hollman Centreville, Va./Westfield) came off the points to add 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting. Smith pulled down a career-high 11 rebounds as well.
For the game, the Lancers shot 39.6 percent from the floor, out rebound the Bears 40-35 and forced 27 turnovers.
Longwood will host the 12th Annual C&L Lancer Classic Nov. 20-22 in Lancer Hall. The first game of the tournament features the Lancers and Pittsburgh-Johnstown on Thursday at 7 p.m..
Longwood will host the 12th Annual C&L Lancer Classic Nov. 20-22 in Lancer Hall. The first game of the tournament features the Lancers and Pittsburgh-Johnstown on Thursday at 7 p.m..
