Athletic Report
November 16, 2001

WESTERN STATE EDGES ZIAS, 59-56, IN SEASON OPENER FOR BOTH TEAMS
Tia Doss Scores 12, Laci Lee Adds 11 for Zias
GUNNISON, CO — Western State College built a 27-20 halftime lead, then held off Eastern New Mexico University in the second half, as the Mountaineers edged the Zias, 59-56, at the WSC Classic. It was the season opener for both teams.

The Mountaineers were led by Andi Sutherland, who scored 17 points and added 4 assists. Jamie Mayne provided Western State with 10 points and 7 rebounds. Sara Cellan supplied 8 points, and Melissa Donley tied Mayne for the team lead with 7 rebounds.

ENMU’s top scorer was Tia Doss (Fr., F, Albuquerque, NM/Highland H.S.), with 12 points. Doss, who saw limited action last season before receiving a medical redshirt following knee surgery, was 5 of 9 from the floor and contributed 5 rebounds.

Laci Lee (Fr., G, Portales, NM/Portales H.S.) tallied 11 points, and led Eastern New Mexico with 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 34 minutes played. Loren Scarlett (Fr., P, Throckmorton, TX/Throckmorton H.S.) added 9 points, grabbed 3 rebounds and was 3 of 5 from the field.

Statistically, the game was nearly as even as the final score. ENMU shot 37.5% (18 of 48), while Western State shot 37.0% (17 of 46). The Zias held a slight edge in rebounds, 36-34, but the Mountaineers led in free throws made (21-17) and three-pointers made (4-3).WSC also committed 20 turnovers, compared to 23 turnovers by the Zias.

The Zias will play Mesa State College on Saturday, Nov. 17 at 2:00 p.m. (MST). Mesa State defeated Western New Mexico, 74-53 in the first round of the WSC Classic. Western State will take on WNMU at 4:00 p.m. (MST) on Saturday.