UK’s speed and inside game credited for the win.

(November 15, 1998) — The University of Kentucky women’s basketballteam used its speed and inside game to defeatAustin Peay in its home opener on Sunday,88-71.

Kentucky outrebounded Austin Peay 40-25 andforced 24 turnovers in its first win of the season.Four Wildcats scored in double figures assophomore Laura Meadows led the way with 15points. Junior Tiffany Wait netted 14 points and dished out three assists whileLexington native Erica Jackson and senior Jaye Barnes added 12 and 11points respectively.

“I was pleased with a lot of things we did, but I was not pleased with ourturnovers,” UK Coach Bernadette Mattox said. “I was also pleased withhow well we penetrated and got down the floor tonight. We have morespeed this year and it’s going to be tough for people to press us.”

UK struggled early in the game, but built a 43-29 lead at the half and neverlooked back. The Wildcats were ahead by as many as 22 points with threeminutes remaining in the game. The only offensive threats for APSU werejunior Quin Sullivan and Russell Springs native Candie Smith. Sullivan led allscorers with a game-high 27 points while Smith added 12. Today’s gamemarked the first time in ten years the Wildcats have competed against theLady Govs.

The last time the two teams met, both Coach Mattox and Austin PeayCoach Susie Gardner were assistant coaches at Georgia. “Coach Mattoxand I go way back,” Gardner said. “She was an assistant coach when I wasa freshman at Georgia. She has a very special team and is a very specialperson.”

Kentucky’s next opponent, Ohio State, will be the first of four straight roadopponents. The Cats will take on the Buckeyes on Thursday, Nov. 19 at7:30 p.m. before traveling to Martin, Tenn., to face UT-Martin on Sunday,Nov. 22 at 2 p.m. CT.