Nov. 23, 1999

Villanova, Pa.--- In the 1999-00 home opener for the Villanova University women's basketball team on Tuesday, Nov. 23, at The Pavilion, the Wildcats got a career-high 15 points from senior guard Mary Beth Snell as they went on to defeat the visiting Fairfield University Stags 58-45. The victory evens Villanova's overall record at 1-1, while Fairfield falls to 1-1.

After allowing an opening bucket by the Stags, the `Cats went on an 11-2 run to open up an 11-4 lead at the 14:42 mark. Despite poor shooting by both teams, Villanova controlled the first half and took a 27-19 into intermission. The Wildcat defense held Fairfield to 24.1 percent shooting in the first stanza on seven-of-29 from the floor, while Villanova itself shot 11-of-29 for 37.9 percent. Leading the way for the `Cats was sophomore forward Stephanie Baker who registered a team-high six points, and freshmen Trish Juhline and Nicole Druckenmiller who tallied five points apiece.

The Stags would rally to begin the second half led by five quick points from forward Allison Thorne, but could get only to within six points at 38-32, before Villanova regained momentum. Two baskets by center Brandi Barnes and Snell's fifth three-pointer of the contest gave the Wildcats their largest lead of the game at 49-34 at the 10:11 mark. From there, Villanova cruised on to a 58-45 victory.

Snell set career-highs in both points and three-pointers on the night with 15 and five respectively. Setting a career-high in assists was junior guard Lauren Pellicane who dished out a game-high nine dimes. Helping lead the Wildcat offense on this night was Juhline who posted eight points, while Barnes had seven and Megan Stewart and Baker each had six points apiece.

For Fairfield in the loss, junior center Gail Strumpf scored a team-high 14 points and pulled down eight boards. Forward Allison Thorne and guard Holly Tapley each chipped in seven points in the game.

Villanova now travels to Reno, Nevada for the Danka Classic, where the Wildcats will play Cal St. Northridge on Friday, Nov. 26, at 4:00 p.m. The Consolation Game and Championship will take place on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m