December 2, 1998

Villanova, Pa.--- Hosting crosstown rival LaSalle for a Big Five contest on Wednesday, Dec. 2, the Villanova women's basketball team jumped out to an early 12-2 lead and didn't look back cruising to a 63-36 victory. Led by a career-high 16 points from sophomore guard Mimi Riley, the Wildcats evened their record at 3-3 on the season.

After a basket by LaSalle forward Shannon McDade to open the game, Villanova rang up 12 consecutive points, four each by forwards Jenn Sliwa and Jenea Skeeters, to take a 12-2 lead at the 13:36 mark. The Explorers (3-2) would pull to as close seven, 20-13 with 6:20 remaining, but the Wildcats went on an 11-5 run to end the half. Behind eight points by Skeeters and six apiece by Sliwa and sophomore center Brandi Barnes, Villanova took a 31-18 lead into intermission.

With the score standing at 39-25 at the 13:38 mark of the second half, the Wildcats made yet another run, 14-2, sparked by 10 points by Riley, to break away and roll on to a 63-36 victory.

Riley's 16 point performance came on five-of-seven shooting from the field and a perfect five-for-five from the foul line. Scoring double figures as well for the Wildcats was Skeeters who shot five-of-ten from the field to finish with 10 points. Sliwa and junior guard Mary Beth Snell each chipped in eight points, with redshirt freshman Stephanie Baker posting eight points and seven rebounds in 17 minutes of work.

Leading the way for LaSalle in a losing effort was McDade, who tallied 13 points and seven rebounds. Jen Zenszer and Suzanne Keilty also contributed with six points apiece.

Villanova will get back into action on Saturday, Dec. 5, as they play host to the Temple Owls at 2:00 p.m.