University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Women's Basketball Cruises to Exhibition Win
11/5/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
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The Minnesota women's basketball team opened its season with a 77-57 victory over Zala Volan, a traveling team from Hungary, in exhibition play in Williams Arena on Wednesday.
The Golden Gophers used a variety of lineups in the game, with an emphasis placed on getting Minnesota's three prized freshmen plenty of playing time to get their feet wet in their collegiate basketball careers.
"Our starters are ready to compete right now," said Golden Gopher head coach Pam Borton. "Our bench will be very important to our success this season and our freshmen make up a big part of our bench. We have to get them ready to play. I was very pleased with their performances tonight."
Freshmen Kelly Roysland, Jamie Broback and Liz Podominick all played double-digit minutes, combining for 17 points. Roysland paced the rookie class with eight points, including a 6-for-8 outing at the free throw line. Broback added seven points and three rebounds, while Podominick only scored one bucket, but contributed three rebounds and three steals.
All-American guard Lindsay Whalen scored 11 of her game-high 17 points in the first half. In typical Whalen fashion, she added seven assists and seven rebounds. Janel McCarville and Kadidja Andersson both posted double-doubles. McCarville scored 15 points and pulled down 11 rebounds, though she only played seven minutes in the second half as her younger teammates took to the floor. Andersson's double-double came on 11 rebounds and 10 points.
The Gophers never trailed in the game, opening with a three-point field goal by Shannon Bolden on their first possession. Minnesota extended its lead to 42-30 by halftime, taking advantage of a dominating 22-9 edge in rebounding.
Minnesota's second exhibition game is Nov. 14, versus Minnesota-Duluth. The Gophers open their regular season by playing host to the Subway Basketball Classic on Nov. 22-23.
