CHARLESTON, S.C.- Three Presbyterian College women's basketball players reached double figures, led by sophomore Lea Smith, however a difficult afternoon of shooting plagued the Lady Blue Hose in the 74-51 loss at the College of Charleston.
Smith, who converted 5-of-9 shots and led bench scoring, scored 13 points and grabbed four rebounds. Sharie Hopkins (12 pts.) and Amy Jones (11 pts.) rounded out the top line scoring for PC. In the rebounding category, six boards each by Kristin Kidd, Taylor Price and Hopkins provided a formidable front that helped to convert 17 points in the paint. Meanwhile, the combination of Brooke Kotcella (15 pts.) and Tonia Gerty (13 pts.) paced the Cougars.
The two teams emerged from the locker rooms with the Cougars (1-4) leading by a 39-22 advantage. The College of Charleston opened second half scoring in similar fashion to that of the first, countering back-and-forth shooting in the first 3:42 of the half with a 13 point run which was spurred by seven points by Gerty.
PC (0-7) continues to improve free throw shooting over the last two contests, as four players hit 10 free throws over a 7:55 span of the second half that accounted for 29 points. Between Hopkins, Jones, Katlin Moore and Tishe Sanders the Lady Blue Hose converted 13-of-14 points from the free-throw line.
After the Cougars pounced to an early 24-4 over the first 10:28 of the first half, the Lady Blue Hose countered with a 17-point rally of their own highlighted by five points from Smith and four off shooting by Sharie Hopkins. The senior backcourt of Bridget Takach and Amy Jones combined for six points, including a 3-point basket by Takach, which cut the lead to 39-21 with 2:05 remaining. The two teams remained scoreless over the final moments of the game heading to the locker room with a College of Charleston lead.
Presbyterian vs. College of Charleston Post Game Information
? PC hit on 80% (16-of-20) free throws, including 13-of-14 from the line in the second half.
? Three players reached double figures in scoring, led by Lea Smith's 13 points.
? Sharie Hopkins has scored double digit points in five of seven games this year.
