VCU Rams

VCU GAMECENTER

HISTORY IN THE MAKING AS RAMS HOST DELAWARE
Cunningham needs just one win to become VCU’s winningest coach
1-17-09

RICHMOND, Va. – When the Fightin’ Blue Hens of the University of Delaware visit the Siegel Center on Sunday afternoon, history may be written for the Virginia Commonwealth University women’s basketball program.

With Thursday’s 69-52 home win over William & Mary, Head Coach Beth Cunningham picked up her 94th career win, tying her with her predecessor David Glass for the most all-time at VCU.

A win against Delaware would give Cunningham the record, a record that she says she is extremely grateful for.

“I’m very fortunate to be in the position I am today,” she said. “What I’ve tried to do is just every day, whether its practice, recruiting, game day or just in the office, I’ve tried to hard as I could to make this into a program that can make some noise not only in the conference but in the country. Our kids, our staff and the program are really starting to reap the rewards of a collective effort of so many people.”

Senior Quanitra Hollingsworth (Chesapeake, Va.) has been a cornerstone of the recent success for the Rams posting eight double-doubles in the past 12 games, including a 10-point, 10-rebound performance against the Tribe.

For the year, Hollingsworth is averaging 14.3 points per game, fifth in the CAA and grabbing 9.1 rebounds per game, third in the CAA.

A balanced attack has been the key for the Black and Gold with five different players averaging over nine points a game. In 13 of VCU’s 16 games this season, the Rams have had at least three players in double-figures.

“Our kids have really done a great job of taking on each new challenge we present them,” Cunningham said. “We know that in order to get to where we want to be we’re going to have a lot of different kids be able to step up on any given night. So far, we’ve shown that is possible night in and night out for us.”

Delaware sits at 8-7 on the year, but is in search of its first win in conference. The Fightin’ Blue Hens hold a 11-4 advantage in the overall series and have won five of the past six meetings between the two schools.

Game time at the Siegel Center is set for 2 p.m.