Carson-Newman Defeats Lander in Season Opener
Nov. 15, 2008
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - The Lady Eagle basketball team ran to their first victory of the year, defeating Lander University 92-83 in the first round of the annual Eagle Club Classic. The new up-tempo style employed by the Lady Eagles proved to be enough to outscore the Lady Bearcats.
The Lady Eagles got off to a flying start, outscoring the Lady Bearcats 55-44. Carson-Newman was led by junior Ashley Kyle (Jefferson City, Tenn.) with 20 points and nine assists. Also adding to the Lady Eagle effort was senior Lindsey Eggleston (Buena Vista, Colo.) with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
"I am excited about the way we started offensively," said head coach Dean Walsh, "I know we are only going to get better as the season progresses. We need to rebound and defend better, but our scoring and shooting looked good tonight."
Lander outscored the Lady Eagles in the second half 39-37, despite the C-N victory. The Lady Eagles struggled coming out of the locker room to start the second half, allowing Lander University to creep back into to the game. Late in the second half the Lady Eagles were able to dictate the tempo again via the press, creating several easy basics by Kyle and Eggleston.
Lander came to Holt Field House with the reputation of a high octane offensive basketball team. Leading the Lady Bearcats quick pace was sophomore Shannon McKever (Florence, S.C.) with 22 points, two assists and eight rebounds. Aiding the Lander effort was TaSheba Butler (Florence, S.C.) with 12 points, three assists, and six rebounds.
"Overall I am very pleased with the win and the girls' effort," added Walsh, "It really paid off. Hopefully we will keep up the energy tomorrow and see how we bounce back from our first game."
The Lady Eagles will be back in actions during the Eagle Club Classic tomorrow, November 16 at 4 p.m. as they face Lees-McRae College.
