Davis keys UT women in exhibition

11/17/2002

Tia Davis led five Rockets in double figures with 21 points as the University of Toledo women defeated Kentucky Wesleyan 90-61 yesterday in their final exhibition game at Savage Hall.

Kelly Walker added 14, Teresa Kahle 13, and Karin Hoogendam and Leah Gonnella 12 each as Toledo outscored Western Kentucky 51-28 in the second half.

The Rockets led 39-33 at the break and started the second half with a 23-9 run.

Leslie Warren and Kami Vaal each scored 20 for Division II Kentucky Wesleyan.

Mary Blessing had seven assists and Hoogendam had eight rebounds as the Rockets won that battle 41-33, including a 17-10 advantage on the offensive boards.

The Rockets hit 50 percent from the field - 36 of 72 - including 50 percent from beyond the arc - 9 of 18.

Kentucky Wesleyan hit 24 of 56 field goal attempts, including 5 of 14 on trey tries.

The Rockets forced 25 turnovers and committed only 12.

Toledo opens the regular season Saturday at 1 p.m. at home against Iona.

“I think there's some things we need to work on before next Saturday,” UT coach Mark Ehlen said. “We're going to be as good as our younger players play. I told the newcomers on their first day, you have to catch up to us. So far they're doing a pretty good job.

“Our key to success is the ability to established a strong inside game. There were times when I thought we did that and there were times when I thought we did not today. We have to be more physical.”