Junior forward Kierra Haney made several key baskets down the stretch to lift UNC Pembroke past UNCW 64-60 in a preseason women’s basketball game Monday night at Trask Coliseum.
The contest was the lone tune-up on the schedule for Seahawks and second-year Head Coach Adell Harris, who travel to No. 6 Notre Dame on Friday for the 2013-14 season opener.
Haney led three Braves in double figures with 13 points and added 13 rebounds in 37 minutes. Sophomore guard Chandrica Fuller chipped in 12 points and junior guard Avae Hardy had 10 for UNCP, coached by former Seahawk men’s hoops standout John Haskins.
The Seahawks, who started four freshmen and one junior, were led by newcomer Brie Mobley’s 18 points and 13 boards, while junior playmaker Kelva Adkins and freshman Amber Reeves scored 13 apiece.
Both teams struggled offensively early before heating up in the second half and battling close down the wire.
Trailing 39-27 at intermission, UNCW used a 25-6 run early in the final period to grab a 52-50 advantage with just over seven minutes left before Haney put the Braves on her back.
Seahawks earn weekly accolades
Buoyed by an impressive two-goal outing against nationally ranked William & Mary, UNCW red-shirt sophomore David Sizemore was named Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Co-Player of the Week on Monday by the league office.
For Sizemore, it’s his first career CAA Player of the Week honor and the second for the Seahawks this season.
Sizemore struck in the sixth minute against the Tribe to give UNCW an early 1-0 lead. His second strike was just as impressive as he notched his fourth goal of the season off a free kick from 25 yards out to give UNCW a 2-1 lead.
With the two-goal outing, Sizemore moved into the team-lead with four goals and is tied for second on the squad with eight points.
The Seahawks host rival Northeastern on Wednesday in the regular season finale for both teams. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
UNCW volleyball
Sophomore Meredith Peacock and freshman Nicole Lott were also recognized by the CAA following UNCW’s weekend sweep on the volleyball court.
Peacock was honored as Co-Defensive Player of the Week along with William & Mary’s Carolyn Albright, while Lott garnered CAA Rookie of the Week accolades for the third time this season.
“Our entire team overall had another outstanding performance this past weekend and everyone played with tremendous effort and enthusiasm,” said UNCW Head Coach Amy Bambenek. “Both Meredith and Nicole played a huge part in our offensive and defensive success.
UNCW (16-8; 5-5 CAA) returns to action this week as it closes out the home portion of its 2013 schedule with matches against Northeastern (Nov. 8) and Hofstra (Nov. 10).
