University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
Latvia Select Team (Exhibition)
Women's Basketball Wins Exhibition Opener, 72-56
November 06, 1999 | Women's Basketball
Nov. 6, 1999
AMHERST, Mass. - Sophomore Caroline Nehls (Randolph, N.J.) posted a double-double with 14 points and a team-high 11 rebounds to lead the University of Massachusetts to a 72-56 exhibition win over the University of Latvia Select Team on Nov. 6 in Amherst, Mass.
"It was good to be able to play against somebody else," head coach Joanie O?Brien said. "Everybody got the opportunity to play, and we were able to test people out in different positions. It was a good challenge for us, and the older kids did a good job of handling themselves."
Sophomore Nekole Smith (Ann Arbor, Mich.) tallied 14 points on seven of 10 shooting, in addition to grabbing five rebounds, to complement Nehls in the paint.
"Together, Nekole and Caroline are capable of playing at a high level," O? Brien said. "They can keep going up and up, especially if they continue to feel comfortable playing together," O? Brien said. "It has been put on them that they have to anchor us down on the inside. So the way they handle things as the season goes is probably how far this team will go."
Two other players also scored in double-figures for UMass. Senior Tonia Thomas (Seguin, Texas) came off the bench to register 12 points, including a two of four shooting from behind the arc. Defensively, Thomas collected a team-high four steals.
Senior Alison Mac Farland (Brick, N.J.) recorded 10 points, along with five boards. Freshman Stasia Robinson (Keeseville, N.Y.) came off the bench to score six points in just four minutes of play. All 11 players dressed for UMass in today?s contest.
"We are in pretty good shape. I feel comfortable with the kids we have, and I think we can go pretty deep if we get ourselves in a situation where we do have to deal with injuries. And if we stay healthy, the bench is going to be something I will be able to work with."
The Minutewomen will open up the regular season on Nov. 19 at Clemson at 4:45 p.m.
