FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 13, 2001

MONMOUTH DROPS EXHIBITION DECISION TO ILIRIJA (SLOVENIA)

West Long Branch, N.J. – The Monmouth University women’s basketball team concluded its preseason exhibition schedule with an 84-71 defeat at the hands of Ilirija (Slovenia), at Boylan Gymnasium.  The Hawks were led Jewonda Bright (Norfolk, Va./Norview) and Michelle Cappadona (Atlantic Highlands, N.J./Red Bank Catholic), who combined for 47 points of Monmouth’s offensive output.  Bright posted 27 points and eight rebounds, while Cappadona tallied 20 points and six assists.

Ilirija had three players in double-digits in scoring, as Sasa Stubler scored 26 points, on 10-17 shooting from the field to lead the squad.  Polona Oberc (22) and Sandra Durak (10) were the other Ilirija players in double figures.  Ajda Gabrovsek also handed in a solid performance as she tallied six points, 11 rebounds, and two assists.

Ilirija jumped all over Monmouth early, making five of seven three-point attempts in the first half, and shooting 53% from the floor as a team, behind Stubler’s 20-point effort.  The 49-27 halftime lead proved to be insurmountable as the Slovenian team shot 51% from the field to Monmouth’s 40% in the game.  Although the Hawks were able to outscore Ilirija in the second stanza 44-35, Monmouth could not overtake the Slovenia squad, who ended their United States trip with their first victory in nine games.

The Hawks open their regular season on Saturday, November 17 when they travel to Philadelphia, Pa. to take on Drexel University in a 1 p.m. contest with the Dragons.