Lady Yellowjackets Host UC-San Diego in Season Opener (November 21, 2002)

BILLINGS, MT – The MSU Billings Lady Yellowjackets will open the 2002-2003 women’s basketball season Friday night when they host the University of California-San Diego Tritons at Alterowitz Gymnasium.  Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. with the same two teams meeting again on Saturday at 6:00 p.m.

MSU Billings defeated the Tritons 67-57 last year at UC-San Diego en route to a 23-5 overall record and the No. 3 seed in the West Region Tournament.  In the NCAA Division II system, invitations to the tournament depend primarily on a team’s record against other teams from the same region.  Both MSUB and UCSD compete in the West Region, making this weekend’s games important in terms of establishing a regional record.

In last year’s meeting, forward Natalie Visger recorded a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds.  The Yellowjackets’ top returning scorer and rebounder, Visger will be expected to be one of the team leaders both offensively and defensively this season.  She will be joined by fellow seniors Joan Langford, Jessica Bachmann, Jessie Henigman and Amy Bantz.  Along with the five seniors will be sophomores Robyn Milne and Kayla Frize and five freshmen. 

The Tritons will be led by Ali Ginn, a junior guard who averaged 14.4 points per game and earned All-CCAA honors last season.  In last season’s meeting, the Yellowjackets held UCSD to 26-percent shooting from the field while forcing 23 turnovers.  MSU Billings finished the season as one of the top defensive squads in the country.

General admission tickets at the gate cost $6.00.  Several ticketing options are available including season tickets and family passes.  New this year are six- and ten-packs of general admission tickets that can be used at any men’s or women’s games.  Six-packs are $25, and ten-packs are $40.  Call 657-2369 or inquire at the gate about ticket information.