By: Bo Kidd
Box Score St. Thomas, Virgin Islands – The UC Women's Basketball team got their season started early this year with a trip to the Virgin Islands to compete in the Virgin Island Classic, picking up two contests against the University of the Virgin Islands, a new team within the NAIA. With many new faces joining the program this year, it was a great mixture of new and old that pushed the Patriots to a season opening win 65-47 over the Buccaneers.
The Patriots opened up a six-point lead in the first quarter 14-8 and extend the lead slightly at the break with a 30-21 advantage. The third quarter saw both teams trade baskets back and forth, but UC pulled away with a 22-13 scoring output in the fourth to give Cumberlands the 65-47 victory.
Newcomer Carla Covane went 3-5 from the floor but 8-10 from the charity stripe to lead the way with 14 points and nine rebounds in just 14 minutes of play. Silvia Veloso chipped in a double-double of her own with 13 points and 11 steals, the most steals in a debut as a Patriots in recent history. Abbi Douglas and Hannah Lawson each added eight points in the win as well.
Cumberlands shot 39.3% from the field as well as 69.6% from the free throw line. The Patriots outrebounded the Buccaneers 43-33 but did commit 27 turnovers in the contest. UC pulled a large chunk of their advantage from the bench, outscoring VI's reserves 26-0 in the game. The Bucs were led by Jadyn Rice with 15 points.
UC returns to the floor tomorrow, October 10th with another contest against the Buccaneers of the University of the Virgin Islands. Tip-off is slated for 7 pm. Live updates will come via Twitter @UCPatsGameDay.
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