Friday, October 31, 2003

Valparaiso University's women's basketball team will take to the floor for the first time on Sunday afternoon as they host the Reebok Lady Stars in an exhibition game at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Tip-off is at 2:05 p.m.

Head Coach Keith Freeman's Crusaders are coming off of their first appearance ever in the NCAA Tournament after finishing 18-13 in 2002-2003. Suzie Hammel (Lafayette, Ind./Lebanon H.S.) is the team's top returning scorer. The senior averaged 11.0 points per game last season, making 52 three-pointers on the year. Hammel and junior Katie Boone (Greenwood, Ind./Center Grove H.S.) were both named to the Mid-Continent Conference Preseason Second Team.

Former Valparaiso star Jeanette Gray will play for the Reebok Lady Stars, a team comprised of former collegiate players. Gray graduated last season as the Crusaders third all-time leading scorer and second all-time in rebounding.

Valpo will open the regular season on November 15 at Oregon in the Women's Sports Foundation Classic.