November 10, 1998

Villanova, Pa.-- In women's exhibition play at the Jake Nevin Field House, the Villanova Wildcats won their second straight exhibition game with a 75-69 win over the New York Gazelles.

With the scored tied at 25-25 with 2:25 left in the first half, the Wildcats used a 10-2 run to take a 35-27 lead at intermission. Junior forward Jenea Skeeters keyed the run by hitting two straight jump shots, including one with just five seconds left in the first half.

The Wildcats came out strong to start the second half, outscoring the Gazelles 13-6, to take a 48-33 advantage with 17:31 left in regulation. Villanova's quick second half start was paced by the forward tandem of Jenn Sliwa and Skeeters. Sliwa hit a running hook and a three-pointer for five points, while Skeeters hit a lay-up in traffic and a short jumper.

The Gazelles battled back to cut the Villanova lead to 55-49 with 11:10 remaining, before Villanova quickly responded to increase the lead back to 62-49 at the 7:21 mark. However, the Gazelles made one final run to slice the Wildcat lead to 73-69 with 33 seconds on the clock. Redshirt freshmen Therese Pennefather and Stephanie Baker each converted one-of-two from the foul line making the final 75-69.

Villanova was led by Sliwa who shot 6-of-13 for 17 points to go with her team-high eight rebounds. Skeeters connected on 5-of-8 for 10 points, while sophomore guard Lauren Pellicane also added 10 points. Sophomore center Brandi Barnes was 4-for-7 from the field and tallied nine points.

Leading the way for the Gazelles was former Massachusetts standout Octavia Thomas who netted 19 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Gail Bryant, who starred at Virginia, registered 18 points in the losing effort.

Villanova will open its 1998-99 season on Saturday, Nov. 14 when they travel to The Palestra in Philadelphia to take on the University of Pennsylvania Quakers.