August 14, 2004

LOGAN CITY, Queensland - Virginia Tech overcame a slow start in the first quarter and dominated the second half in a 90-67 victory Saturday night over the Southern Districts Spartans. The contest was played at Insports Logan, a multipurpose athletic facility near Brisbane, Australia.

Prior to the game, Tech head coach Beth Dunkenberger received a plaque and the entire squad was welcomed by the mayor, but the start of the contest was anything but pleasant for the visitors. After Tech's Nare Diawara (So., Bamako, Mali) made one of two free throws 20 seconds into the contest, the Spartans ripped off 12 unanswered points over the next five minutes.

Tech managed to cut the deficit to 27-22 at the end of the first quarter before shutting down their opponent the rest of the way. The Hokie defense, which allowed the Spartans to shoot 59 percent (10-17) in the first quarter, limited their opponents to under 35 percent (16-46) for the remainder of the game. Tech held the Spartans to only 22 second half points in the win.

Kerri Gardin (Jr., Morgonton, N.C.) led the Hokies with 19 points followed by Dawn Chriss (Jr., Hilcrest Heights, Md.) with 16 while Kirby Copeland (So., Morrow, Ga.) and Erin Gibson (Sr., Galax, Va.) chipped in with 14 and 10 points respectively. Gibson led all rebounders with 14 caroms as Tech held a commanding 44-23 advantage on the boards.

Tech shot 52.9 percent (36-68) from the field including a blistering 65.5 percent (19-29) in the second half. The Hokies also had a good night at the free throw line hitting 15-of-18 attempts.

Tech will face perhaps its toughest opposition of the tour when the Hokies return to action Sunday at 5:30 p.m. against SEQ Invitational.