COLORADO SPRINGS (Nov. 17) - The University of Denver women's basketball team flew past the Air Force Academy 76-44 in both teams season-opening game Friday at Clune Arena.
"It was a good win for us to open the season," Denver coach Pam Tanner said. "We did some good things and it was important that every player saw game action. I was really pleased with the guards, especially Melissa (Garcia). She shot the ball extremely well off the bench for us."
Three players scored 13 points to lead four in double figures as the Pioneers demolished the home team. Melissa Garcia (Thornton, Colo./Thornton), Misty Staton (Duke, Okla./Duke) and Misa Pavlickova (Prague, Czech Republic/Boulder), each scored 13 while Ashley Atkinson (Springfield, Mo./Kickapoo) scored 10.
In the first half, Denver used two runs to open a 16-point lead by the intermission. The Pioneers went on a 6-2 run, led by four points by Pavlickova to break open a nine point lead (26-17) with 4:13 remaining in the period. Atkinson capped a 10-0 run to end the half with a pair of free throws to give the Pioneers the 16-point halftime margin.
Garcia hit a three point shot and sunk a field goal to help the Pioneers open a 20-point lead just one minute into the second half. The Pioneers did not relinquish the 20-point margin for the remainder of the game, holding the Falcons to 33 percent shooting and just 14 field goals for the game.
The Pioneers continue their season-opening weekend with a game against the University of Albany on Sunday at 1 p.m., at Magness Arena.
