UNF tries to streak into A-Sun action

Game Notes

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After notching its first win of the season Sunday, the University of North Florida women's basketball team opens its Atlantic Sun Conference slate against Lipscomb on Thursday at 5:30 p.m., when it will try to start its first winning streak of the season.

Senior Jennifer Bowen's first career double-double (13 points and 10 rebounds) and freshman Brittany Kirkland's career high 15 points led UNF (1-3) in its 71-60 win over Wofford. The win marked the Lady Ospreys' first ever against the Terriers in three tries.

In its only other home contest of the season, UNF hosted then-No. 21 Florida State. The Lady Ospreys posted an impressive performance, sprinting to an early lead, but the Seminoles proved to be too much down the stretch, pulling away in the final five minutes to escape UNF Arena with a 60-49 win.

In the only meeting between UNF and Lipscomb last season, the Lady Ospreys left Nashville with a 63-51 win against the Lady Bisons and the team's first ever sweep of Lipscomb and Belmont on the road (defeated Belmont two days earlier). Bowen led the way for the Lady Ospreys, totaling 17 points while sophomore Brittany Jones led UNF with seven rebounds.

This season, the Lady Bisons (2-4) lost four of their first five with the lone win coming at home against UT-Martin. In its last contest, another home game, Lipscomb defeated another in-state foe – Tennessee State – by eight points (63-55).

When: Thursday, December 4 – 5:30 p.m.

Where: UNF Arena

Admission: Adult -- $5; Seniors (55+)/Youth (13-17) -- $3; See promotions below.

ASUN.TV: Click here (coverage begins at 5:15 p.m.)

Live Stats: Click here (begins at 5:30 p.m.)

UNF's Record: 1-3

Lipscomb's Record: 2-4

Series: UNF leads, 5-0

Last Meeting: UNF won, 63-51 (at Lipscomb on Feb. 11, 2008)

Who's Hot: Bowen notched her first career double-double in UNF's first win of the season against Wofford on Sunday. She led the Lady Osprey charge after halftime, sinking the first two baskets of the second half to put UNF on top. She finished with 13 points and a career-high 10 rebounds. Also, freshman Brittany Kirkland earned her first career start, and made the most of the opportunity. She led all scorers with a career-high 15 points and added four assists in 28 minutes of action. Kirkland boasts a .467 shooting percentage this season, which ranks second on the Lady Osprey squad behind junior Shennette Sheffield (.667).

Quoting Coach Tappmeyer: "Getting our first win Sunday was really important for our confidence. The four days of practice leading into the game helped us get to that point, but we still have work to do defensively. Getting a win in our conference opener Thursday is pivotal to help us feel good about ourselves and the direction we are headed. To be successful in conference, it is crucial to win all the home games."

Gameday Notables: UNF is in its final season of the four-year transition into Division I … the Lady Ospreys avoided the first 0-4 start in program history after dropping the first three games of the season for the first time ever … the Lady Ospreys are 3-2 all-time when playing on Dec. 4 … UNF is 1-2 in A-Sun openers (won against Stetson at UNF Arena last season) … Bowen has scored in double figures in her last three contests against Lipscomb … junior Willonda Windham scored a career-best 12 points against the Lady Bisons two seasons ago (3/1/07) … the Lady Ospreys are coming off their best finish since entering the transitional period, finishing with a 13-16 overall record and 8-8 A-Sun record in 2007-08 … Bowen and Jennifer Guldager will steer the program once again, having been with the team through every season of the reclassification process.

Promotions: Camper Appreciation … all UNF campers receive free admission by wearing a UNF camp t-shirt … PAL Recognition … members of Police Athletic League, kids, parents and staff receive free admission … Rotary Night … members of Rotary Clubs receive free admission … ALL fans in attendance will receive a coupon for a free Smoothie King smoothie.

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