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New line-up leads to OVC Victory


UTM women's co-head coach Gary Van Atta said his team needed a new start to the 2003-04 season.

So his starting lineup included junior college transfer Chandra Carey, two freshmen (Andreika Jackson and Deina Willingham) and two sophomores (Whitney Angel and Keva Robinson).

The new lineup helped the Skyhawks claim their second Ohio Valley Conference road win of the season, a 70-57 decision over host Eastern Illinois, Saturday afternoon, in Lantz Arena.

Senior Julie Young lived up to her preseason All-OVC billing nad pumped in 16 points and gabbed six rebounds.

The Clarksville native shot 50 percent from the field and she was perfect from the free throw line and the three-point arch. She had two attempts each from the line and the arch.

Senior Torre Thomas scored 14 points and also shot 50 percent from the field. Jackson posted her fifth double-double of the season with 13 points and 12 rebounds.

The Skyhawks trailed by a point at the half, 32-31, but forced 13 Eastern Illinois turnovers and never trailed by more than five points.

In the second half, the Skyhawks scored first and never looked back. Jackson hit a jumper with 18:15 to play and the Skyhawks led 33-32.

EIU was led by Megan Sparks with 14 points and Pam O'Connor with 12 points and nine rebounds. EIU shot 52.4 percent from the field, but had trouble with the Skyhawks' defense which forced 27 turnovers.

The Skyhawks improve to 5-5 in the OVC and 8-12 overall while EIU falls to 6-15 overall and 3-7 in the conference.

The Skyhawks continue their four-game road swing Thursday, Feb. 12 when they travel to Clarksville for a battle against league-leader Austin Peay. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.