SWOSU Wins Season Opener With Victory Over Arkansas Tech

November 15, 2005

Russellville, AR - Southwestern Oklahoma State floundered about before finding the gas pedal and smashing it to the floor leaving Arkansas Tech safely behind for a 60-53 win. The game was the season opener for the SWOSU women’s basketball team and coach Shelly Pond.

Trailing 37-33 at the half, the Bulldogs opened the second half on a 12-4 run to push in front 45-43 on a lay-up by Julie Dawson (6-0, Sr., F, Arnett) with 11:19 remaining. Tech would retake the later only to SWOSU find a higher gear and take control of the game.

SWOSU took the lead for good on a three-pointer by Niki Sloan (5-7, Sr., G, Stigler) with 6:57 to play. SWOSU ended up scoring eight straight points in a span of less than three minutes and were ahead 53-48 and never threatened. Sloan led the Bulldog in scoring with 15 points, including draining three treys in five attempts.

Dawson, the preseason Lone Star North Division Player of the Year, added a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Kayla Horn (5-11, Jr., F, Hydro) chipped in with 11 points in the win.

SWOSU continues its road swing playing Friday and Saturday at the Missouri Southern Tournament in Joplin, Mo. The Bulldogs play the host, MSSU, on Friday and play the nation’s No. 1 ranked Division II team, Washburn on Saturday.

The Saturday game will be on KWEY Radio or can be heard by clicking on the “Listen Live” link on the SWOSU’s athletic website at www.swosu.edu/athletics.