The Kentucky women?s basketball team opens its 2006-07 season Wednesday with the first of two exhibition games in Memorial Coliseum. The Wildcats will play host to Northern Kentucky University with tip-off slated for 7 p.m. EST. The game will be open to the public free of charge with seating on a first-come, first-serve basis. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. The game will be carried live on the Big Blue Sports Network (radio) with Neil Price.
The Wildcats are coming off a 22-9 record and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament?s second round last season. Last season, Kentucky posted its most wins in 16 years and returns a deep roster including each of the squad?s five starters from a year ago. The Cats return nine letter winners from last year?s team and more than 83 percent of their production in every major statistical category.
Junior guard Samantha Mahoney (Detroit, Mich.), a preseason second-team all-SEC selection, was UK?s leading scorer a year ago averaging 11.9 ppg, which ranked 16th in the league. Junior center Sarah Elliott (McKee, Ky.) averaged 11.2 ppg and 5.9 rpg last season, leading the team in blocks with 40. Senior forward/center Jennifer Humphrey (Memphis, Tenn.) returns for her fifth season after being granted a medical hardship. She led the team in rebounding with 8.5 ppg last season while adding 6.1 ppg.
?We are very excited to get this season started,? UK Coach Mickie DeMoss said. ?Northern Kentucky has had a lot of success at the Division II level and they are well coached by Nancy Winstel. It should be an exciting game against great competition.?
Northern Kentucky is coming off a 27-5 season, including a 16-3 record in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, in which they finished first in the East Division. The Norse return 11 players from last year?s squad, including all five starters. All-America honorable mention Karmen Graham leads NKU, averaging 14.3 ppg and 5.5 rpg last season. The Norse are coached by reigning GLVC Coach of the Year Nancy Winstel, who is one regular-season victory shy of her 500th win at NKU. She holds a record of 499-168 with the Norse, while holding a 538-209 overall record. Former Wildcat Katie Vieth (1996-2000) is in her first season as an assistant at NKU.
Kentucky leads the all-time series with Northern Kentucky 10-4. The two squads last met in 1990, a 97-79 victory for the Norse in Memorial Coliseum.
Kentucky concludes its 2006-07 exhibition schedule on Tuesday, Nov. 7, when it plays host to NAIA member Shawnee State (Portsmouth, Ohio) at 7 p.m. EST in Memorial Coliseum.
