ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – After passing a key South Region test with flying colors two weeks ago, the Eckerd College women's basketball program is ready for part two of the early-season exam, traveling to Valdosta State (Ga.) University on Friday.
The Tritons (4-2, 1-0 SSC) defeated No. 13 Rollins College on the road in their Sunshine State Conference debut and are riding the momentum against the Blazers (5-2, 0-2 GSC), who are receiving votes in the most recent
USA Today Top-25 Coaches' Poll.
Preparation for Valdosta State, a South Region finalist in last year's NCAA Tournament, began after the Tritons stunned the other regional finalist, Rollins, back on Dec. 1.
The Blazers were tipped by Rollins, 56-54, to end their 2011-12 postseason run in the Sweet 16.
“Valdosta State is traditionally one of the strongest teams in the region and a tough place to play,” EC Head Coach
Paul Honsinger said. “Physically, we'll have our legs under us, and mentally, I hope we're focused enough. We do have confidence coming off of Rollins and our team is up for the challenge.”
Live stats and video/audio will be streamed for the 7 p.m. tip-off in The Complex.
The Tritons will be playing one day off of completion from their final exams.
Eckerd and Valdosta State last met in 2009, a nine-point edge going in favor of the Blazers despite 19 points from Ashley Lutz and 15 more from
Kati Rausberg.
Junior
Liga Vente has been the team's leading scorer in five of the team's six games this season, averaging 15.8 points per game. She is joined in double figures by freshman guard
Annie Armstrong (12.3 ppg) and sophomore guard
Taylor Bestry (11.5 ppg).
As a team, the Tritons are shooting over 47 percent from the field while holding their opponents to a shade over 32 percent.
EC is also hauling nearly 10 more boards per game than their opponent to hold a commanding edge in the rebounding column.
The Blazers have endured a bumpy start through their path in the Gulf South Conference schedule, falling against Union (Tenn.) University and at the University of North Alabama.
VSU's Brittney Nelson and Kourtnee Williams currently combine to average nearly 27 points per game. Nelson is also averaging a double-double, pulling in 10.6 rebounds per contest through seven games played.
