November 22, 2002
WC Falls to Falcons in Opener
Simos Leads Shorewomen with 16 Points

GRANTHAM, PA – The Washington College Shorewomen dropped their 2002-03 season opener to host Messiah College, 77-63, this evening in the first round of the Wingate Inn Tip-Off. The Shorewomen led 35-29 at halftime, but the Falcons, who advanced to last season's NCAA Division III Tournament, outscored WC, 48-28 in the second half.

The Shorewomen shot 44% in the first half and made three-of-five three-pointers, while holding Messiah to 39% shooting from the floor. In the second half, Messiah turned things around and shot 48%, while limiting the Shorewomen to 31% shooting.

Junior guard Karen Simos (North Potomac, MD/Thomas S. Wooton) led the Shorewomen with 16 points and converted nine-of-11 free throws. Junior guard Katie Piringer (Potomac, MD/Stone Ridge) added 11 points and canned three three-pointers. Sophomore forward Liz Smith (Sharpsburg, MD/Boonsboro) also reached double figures in scoring with 10 points, while junior point guard Yianna Patronas (Bethesda, MD/Walt Whitman) scored nine points and dished out six assists. Junior forward Kathryn Zajac (Bellmore, NY/St. Mary's) led Washington in rebounds with eight.

Messiah was led by Amie Kretzling, who finished with 19 points, and Christina Vouriotis, who poured in 16 points. Heidi Marks added nine points and nine rebounds for the Falcons.

For the game, Messiah shot 44%, while WC shot 38%. Each team committed 20 turnovers. Messiah held a narrow 39-38 advantage in rebounds.

The Shorewomen will face Springfield College in tomorrow's 1:00 p.m. consolation game, while the Falcons will face DeSales in the 3:00 p.m. championship contest.

BOX SCORE