Women's Basketball Opens Season Friday Versus Michigan
11/18/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
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TUSCALOOSA - The University of Alabama women's basketball team will get their 2004-05 season started in earnest on Friday at Noon when the Tide hosts Michigan in the team's season opener at Coleman Coliseum.
Alabama, who finished at 12-16 last year, face off against the Wolverines in a rematch of the Tide's season opener of a year ago. Last season, Alabama earned a hard-fought 76-74 overtime victory over Michigan in Ann Arbor. Then freshman guard, Navonda Moore, sparked a late rally by the Tide scoring 28 points in her collegiate debut.
Michigan, in their second season under the guidance of legendary coach Cheryl Burnett, looks to improve on a 14-17 mark from a season ago. This year's Wolverine roster lists seven true freshmen among its 10 names.
"We are ready and excited about getting the season under way," said UA head coach Rick Moody in his 16th year at the Capstone. "Our kids have practiced hard this preseason and seem ready to go against somebody other than each other. Michigan brings a young, but talented and well-coached squad into this game. Last year was a real battle and I expect more of the same on Friday afternoon."
The Crimson Tide and Wolverines tip-off at the unusual time of 12 p.m. (Noon) on Friday, in part of a day-night hoops doubleheader at Alabama. The Tide men host Western Carolina at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Admission to the women's basketball game is free to the public on Friday.
In addition to free admission, the Michigan game has been designated "UA Employee Appreciation Day" by the women's basketball team and the UA Athletic Department. All University of Alabama employees who attend the game will gain free admission and also a coupon for a free hot dog and drink by showing their University ID upon entering the lobby of Coleman Coliseum.
"We are very appreciative of the support that our team gets each season from the University of Alabama community," added Moody. "I want to thank Mal Moore (Athletic Director) and Dr. Witt (University President) for allowing us to honor and celebrate the committed faculty and staff of this university. I hope that every one of them gets a chance to come out to the game and enjoy not only some good food but also some exciting basketball."
Following Friday's tilt with Michigan, Alabama continues its season opening home stand on Monday, Nov. 22, with a game versus Middle Tennessee at 7 p.m.
