November 7, 2008

RORIE, MOSS LEAD RAMS PAST VIRGINIA UNION, 93-48, IN EXHIBITION OPENER
Juniors combine for 38 points, 15 rebounds, 12 assists
Box Score

RICHMOND, Va. – With each new passing season, new leaders step into the spotlight.

Juniors La’Tavia Rorie (Charlotte, N.C.) and D’Andra Moss (Atlanta, Ga.) look like they are ready to take that step as the duo led the Virginia Commonwealth University women’s basketball team past the Panthers of Virginia Union, 93-48, in the exhibition action on Friday evening at the Alltel Pavilion at the Stuart C. Siegel Center.

Rorie and Moss combined for 38 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists in about 20 minutes of playing time for each.

“I thought both of them played extremely well,” Head Coach Beth Cunningham said. “D [Moss] hasn’t been able to practice because of a knee injury and I thought she was pretty productive in her limited minutes. Tavia [Rorie] was outstanding tonight, just tremendous all-around game for her.”

The defense that the Rams became well-known for last season showed up right out of the gate holding the Panthers without a field for the first 4:05 of play, while VCU claimed an early 9-0 advantage.

A three-pointer from Radoslava Bachvarova (Varna, Bulgaria) capped off a 8-0 run late in the first half as the Black and Gold built a 21-point lead with the scoreboard reading 34-13 in favor of VCU.

A lay-up by newcomer Stephanie Solomon (Las Vegas, Nev.) sent the Rams into the intermission with a 43-21 lead.

VCU continued to build on its lead in the second half thanks to Rorie’s 10 points and six assists and stifling defense that held the Panthers to just 25.8% from the field and forced 25 turnovers on the evening.

“I think defense is certainly a focus for us,” Cunningham said. “It’s really become one of our staples, especially our tough man-to-man defense. We’ve really practiced hard on the defensive end.”

In all, twelve different players tallied points for the Rams including a dazzling performance from freshman point guard Jennifer Lane (Wichita, Kan.) who poured in six points and four assists in her first game at the Siegel Center.

“It was really nice to see the way our upperclassmen step into the leadership roles and the way our freshman played was great to see as well,” Cunningham said.

The Rams will take the week to hit the practice gym before heading west to Lynchburg, Va. to take on the Flames of Liberty University in a 7 p.m. contest.