- Box Score
STEPHENVILLE – The Tarleton women's basketball team started their 2010-11 campaign with a 74-46 win over the Lady Rams Saturday night in Wisdom Gym. It was the TexAnns 15th-consecutive home opener victory.
Tarleton cruised to an unproblematic victory after jumping out to a commanding 14-2 lead over the first 6:13. Texas Wesleyan (1-1) shot just a 25.9% from the field in the first half, while Tarleton shot 48.3%. Guards Morgan Stehling and Shelby Adamson both scored 11 points each in the first half, as the TexAnns led at the break 37-22.
Tarleton expanded upon their lead in the second half, pushing the difference to 31-points with 3:23 remaining in the game. The host TexAnns shot 47.8% in the second half, ending with a total percentage of 48.1% on the game.
With four scorers in double-digits, Tarleton led throughout the game, with the Lady Rams only advantage coming in the first 30 seconds with a 1-0 lead.
Shelby Adamson led all scorers in the game with 15 points, adding four steals, four assists, and four rebounds. Morgan Stehling had 14 points in the contest, with Sonya Sundberg contributing 12 points and Kelsey Benford contributing 10 points. Benford also led the TexAnns with six rebounds and two blocks.
The Lady Rams were led offensively by Shayla Moore, who recorded 13 points in the game, while Octavia Mullins added 10 points and nine rebounds. The TexAnns held Texas Wesleyan to just 29.4% from the floor.
Another major factor in the TexAnns' victory was their 20-29 mark from the charity stripe, while the Lady Buffs shot an abysmal 13-26 from the line.
Head coach Ronnie Hearne was surprised and pleased with Tarleton's performance in their first contest.
“I really thought it would be closer with how good (Texas Wesleyan) has been in the past,” said Hearne. “We had a great crowd for the first game of the season and the new floor and new bleachers added to the great atmosphere. Our girls were excited to play in front of our fans.”
The TexAnns controlled every aspect of the game and had an advantage in every position.
“Our guards played very well, and Shelby had a great game to lead us,” said Hearne. “We had a major advantage with our post players. Kiara Wright had six points and four rebounds in her debut and received a good applause when she left the game.”
Hearne credited Wright's play to his veterans.
“Brittnie (Haley) and Kelsey (Benford) have been great mentors for Kiara, and we think she is going to be a dominant player in the future,” said Hearne.
Tarleton (1-0) will return to action when they host Lubbock Christian Thursday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. in Wisdom Gym.
