November 15, 1998

The University of Kentucky women’s basketball team used its speed and insidegame to defeat Austin Peay in its home opener on Sunday, 88-71.

Kentucky outrebounded Austin Peay 40-25 and forced 24 turnovers in its firstwin of the season. Four Wildcats scored in double figures as sophomore LauraMeadows led the way with 15 points. Junior Tiffany Wait netted 14 points anddished out three assists while Lexington native Erica Jackson and senior JayeBarnes added 12 and 11 points 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 with how well wepenetrated and got down the floor tonight. We have more speed this year and it’sgoing 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 three minutesremaining in the game. The only offensive threats for APSU were junior QuinSullivan and Russell Springs native Candie Smith. Sullivan led all scorers with agame-high 27 points while Smith added 12. Today’s game marked the first time inten years the Wildcats have competed against the Lady Govs.

The last time the two teams met, both Coach Mattox and Austin Peay CoachSusie Gardner were assistant coaches at Georgia. “Coach Mattox and I go wayback,” Gardner said. “She was an assistant coach when I was a freshman atGeorgia. She has a very special team and is a very special person.”

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 at 7:30 p.m.before traveling to Martin, Tenn., to face UT-Martin on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 2 p.m.CT.