Colorado University Athletics
Colorado
Colorado State-Pueblo (Exhibition)
Colorado Defeats CSU-Pueblo 90-57 in Women's Exhibition
November 08, 2014 | Women's Basketball
BOULDER - With media day in the rearview mirror, the University of Colorado women's basketball team took the first step towards their regular season with an exhibition against Colorado State-Pueblo.
Looking to use this opportunity to get all of her players a chance to play, head coach Linda Lappe played a variety of lineups in a 90-57 victory over the Thunderwolves.Â
The starting five of Lexy Kresl, Bri Watts, Jasmine Sborov, Haley Smith, and Jamee Swan gave CU some early momentum, opening the game on a 10-0 run, combining deep shooting and physical post play to build up their lead at the Coors Events Center.
Kresl led the way from the backcourt, putting up good numbers in three major statistical categories (9 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists). She scored all nine of her points in the first half, going 3-3 from the free throw line in the process.Â
The front court combination of sophomores Jamee Swan and Bri Watts that stole the show. Swan had a 12-point, 8-rebound night on perfect 5-for-5 shooting, while Watts led the team in rebounds (9) and points (14).
It was a welcome sight for the Buffaloes, who were able to put the uniforms on the first time and play in front of the home fans. Lappe welcomes games such as these, especially ahead of the prestigious Preseason WNIT Tournament, where the Buffs open a week from tonight against North Dakota. The injury of sophomore Arielle Roberson was a big blow, but Lappe believes that the team is now used to carrying on without one of their impact players.Â
"I always like playing one (exhibition) with our uniforms on," says Lappe. "That's a different environment, where you get the nerves going a bit, and we've been practicing without Arielle for a long time. I think for our team and for our staff it's not really any different whether we put our uniform on or not in terms of having Arielle."Â
Lappe also briefly touched on how her freshmen playd, who were all getting their nerves out tonight in their first competitive college game. Overall, they fared well against the Thunderwolves, with point guard Brecca Thomas leading the way with 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting. Forward Zoe Correal poured in eight points and five rebounds of her own, while forward Alina Hartmann had nine points and one block.
While Lappe thinks that their defensive ability will need work, she was pleased with how they played, combining for 27 points.
"They have to pick it up defensively, definitely," Lappe said. "But that's the hardest part for freshmen is to understand our defensive system; we play team defense. But I like their demeanor, I like how hard they work, they come in with energy and you gotta love the fact that Zoe Correal down the floor and posts up hard and Brecca (Thomas) had some nice pull up jumpers and Alina (Hartmann) brings some nice enthusiasm and energy and hustle."Â
