Nov. 10, 1999

Villanova, Pa.--- Opening up the 1999-2000 exhibition season on Wednesday, Nov. 10, at home in the Jake Nevin Field House, the Villanova University women's basketball team defeated the Australian Institute of Sport, 66-63, led by 23 points and eight rebounds from senior forward Jenea Skeeters.

Up by the score of 5-4 just 2:12 into the opening half, the Wildcats went on a 19-4 run in the next 7:52 to open up their largest lead of the first half at 24-8. Keying the Villanova spurt was freshman forward Trish Juhline, who registered eight points in the run. The Australian Institute of Sport would cut the `Cats' lead to 10 points at 24-14 at the 7:32 mark, but that was as close as they would get in the first half, as Villanova took a 38-24 lead into intermission. Juhline and Skeeters led the Wildcats in the first half of play with 10 points apiece.

A.I.U. rallied to begin second half action, going on a 15-3 run in the first six minutes to trim the Villanova lead to 41-39. Forward Monique Bowley had five points during that time. The Wildcats would not relinquish their lead, however, as they regained a 12-point advantage on a Skeeter's three-pointer at the 5:37 mark, and held on for a 66-63 victory.

Leading the way for Villanova, which shot 44.8 percent (26-for-58) for the game, was Skeeters who finished with 23 points and Juhline who posted 10. Skeeters ended the night 10-of-18 from the field, including three-of-five from three-point range. Coming off the bench to give the `Cats a lift were junior center Brandi Barnes who dominated the paint with nine points and nine boards in 24 minutes, and freshman guard Katie Davis who had six points and eight assists.

Scoring in double figures for A.I.U. in the loss were Shelley Hammonds with a team-high 16 points, guard Jessica Foley with 11 and Bowley with 10.

The Wildcats will get back into action on Tuesday, Nov. 16, hosting the New York Gazelles at 8:00 p.m.

Villanova Scorers

Jenea Skeeters, 23

Trish Juhline, 10

Lauren Pellicane, 9

Brandi Barnes, 9

Katie Davis, 6

Mimi Riley, 4

Nicole Druckenmiller, 3

Stephanie Baker, 2