THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, February 25, 1995 TAG: 9502250350
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ED MILLER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. LENGTH: Short : 46 lines
Lisa Rice, Division II's all-time career assist leader, handed out a school record 20 assists Friday afternoon as the Norfolk State Spartanettes stormed into the CIAA women's tournament final with a 116-76 victory over Virginia State at Lawrence Joel Coliseum.
The Spartanettes (25-4) will face Shaw (21-6) in the tournament final today at 6 p.m.
Rice, a 5-foot-3 senior, broke her own record of 19 assists, set in 1993. The tournament record is 24, set by Virginia State's Adrian Elliot in 1990.
``You know I'd rather pass than shoot,'' Rice said. ``I just got the ball in to the big girls, and they put it in.''
The ``big girls'' were forward Kristi Greene and center Danielle Hill, who combined for 57 points and 27 rebounds.
Greene played just 25 minutes, and Hill 19, as coach James Sweat sent waves of players at the Trojanettes (14-12). The Spartanettes pressed relentlessly and forced Virginia State into 26 first-half turnovers.
``The keys were our defense and our depth,'' Sweat said. ``We tried to keep fresh players on the floor, and we wore them down.''
Norfolk State made an 11-0 run early to take a 17-4 lead. Sweat used 13 players in the first half and led, 53-32, at the break.
The Spartanettes are seeking their fourth tournament title in five years. Hampton upset them in the conference semifinals last season.
``There are four seniors on the team and this is our last chance to get a ring,'' Rice said.
Shaw was an 92-68 winner over Fayetteville State Saturday. Norfolk State beat Shaw, 73-58, on Jan. 25.
``They'll try to slow down the tempo,'' Sweat said. ``They want the score in the 60s. We want it in the 90s.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by LAWRENCE JACKSON, Staff
Danielle Hill reacts in frustration for fouling a Virginia State
player in Friday's CIAA semifinal win.
by CNB