University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Women's Basketball Opens Season vs. Montreat on Saturday
11.12.2010 | Women's Basketball
Asheville is anxious to put last year behind them as the Bulldogs finished with an 8-23 overall record. The Bulldogs face a tough task as they face a Cavaliers team that is 4-0 on the young season.
"We're quite impressed with the way Montreat is playing in the first part of the season," explained Asheville coach Betsy Blose. "They play great defense and are playing with a lot of confidence. We're going to have to play well to have a chance at winning."
The Bulldogs played one exhibition game and defeated Mars Hill on Nov. 3 as they downed the Lions, 65-62. Sophomore guard Grace Blaylock scored 20 points as she knocked down five 3-pointers. The Bulldogs also received 14 points from Lindsey Thompson and 11 rebounds from freshman center Abra Sickles.
"We did a lot of good things against Mars Hill but found out we had to work on a lot of things, as well," commented Blose. "We turned the ball over way too much, and I was disappointed in the way we were out-rebounded. However, when the game was on the line we found a way to win the game."
Asheville leads the all-time series with Montreat, 6-0. The teams have played four of the last five years but did not play last season. Montreat gave the Bulldogs a tight game the last time the teams played two years ago before Asheville posted a 62-56 win. The Bulldogs led throughout the game but had to hit some late free throws to earn the victory. Asheville's biggest win in the series came in the 2006-07 season when the Bulldogs won, 99-40. It was the biggest margin of victory in Betsy Blose's career as Asheville head coach.
The Bulldogs will be at home for much of the first two months of the season as they'll four of their first five games at Justice Center.
"We're a young team, especially with our inside game and wanted to play some home games," added Blose.
