November 8, 2006

BLACKSBURG, Va. - The Virginia Tech Athletics Department has announced the signing of women's basketball players Elizabeth Basham and C.J. Pace to national letters of intent for the 2007-2008 academic year.

Basham, a 6-2, forward from Abingdon, Va., averaged 13.1 points and 6.4 rebounds at Abingdon High School where she was named All-Highlands District as both a sophomore and junior. Last season she was a Region IV Honorable Mention and made Top 20 all-star at the 2006 Blue Chip Camp in Louisville, Ken.

"Elizabeth had an outstanding showing at our college experience camp," said Virginia Tech head coach Beth Dunkenberger. "She is a fast, athletic forward who can stretch the defense with her three-point shooting."

Pace, 5-10, guard from Snellville, Ga., averaged 8.4 points and 4.1 rebounds as a freshman last season at Chipola Junior College in Marianna, Fla. The Indians advanced to the National Junior College Athletic Association national tournament and finished the season with a 29-8 record.

"C.J. is a big guard who can bury the three as well as attack off the dribble," said Dunkenberger, " She brings great experience to our team having already competed in the junior college national tournament."

Virginia Tech finished the 2005-06 season with a 21-10 record and advanced to the NCAA Second Round marking the fourth consecutive NCAA appearance and ninth-straight postseason appearance for the program. The Hokies open the season on Friday, Nov. 10, at 5:30 when they host the Radford Highlanders.