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Virginia Travels to Pittsburgh on Friday
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March 23, 2006
This Week
The Virginia Cavaliers travel to Pittsburgh to continue play in the third round of the 2006 Women’s National Invitation Tournament on Friday, March 24 at 7 p.m. in the Fitzgerald Field House. The winner will advance to the semifinals on March 25-28 against the Indiana/Marquette winner. Date, time, and location information will be announced after the completion of third round action. Charlottesville’s WINA Radio (1070 AM) will broadcast each UVa game live with Jed Williams and Myron Ripley calling the action.
Scouting Pittsburgh
The Panthers, under the guidance of third-year head coach Agnus Berenato, stand 21-10 overall following an 85-76 win over Mississippi in the WNIT second round. Sophomore center Marcedes Walker is the top scorer with 16.9 ppg and team-best 9.3 rpg, while junior guard Mallorie Winn follows with 15.5 ppg.
Series vs. Panthers
Virginia stands a perfect 2-0 in all-time series action against Pittsburgh. In their last meeting on Nov. 22, 1996, UVa captured a 64-55 win at Fitzgerald Field House.
Debbie vs. Agnus
Virginia head coach Debbie Ryan and Pittsburgh head coach Agnus Berenato have met on the hardwood many times. The former coach at ACC rival Georgia Tech, Berenato was the Yellow Jackets mentor for 15 seasons from 1989-2003. During that time, the coaches met 34 times with Ryan’s teams recording a 28-6 record.
24th Postseason Appearance
Virginia is making its 24th postseason tournament appearance in 2006 since the school started sponsoring women’s basketball in 1974. UVa has appeared in 21 NCAA tournaments, the 1981 AIAW tournament, and the 1980 WNIT. In the `Hoos prior WNIT, UVa beat Wayland Baptist (67-62) in first round action before falling to North Carolina (68-61) in the second round and Drake (67-53) in the semifinal.
Virginia’s WNIT Record
1980: First Round W, 67-62 vs. Wayland Baptist 1-0 Second Round L, 61-68 vs. North Carolina 0-1 Semifinal L, 53-67 vs. Drake 0-1
2006: First Round W, 48-42 vs. St. Joseph’s 1-0 Second Round W, 83-72 vs. Miami 1-0 Third Round at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. Total: 5 games 3-2
20 Wins in a Season
Virginia stands 20-11 overall, marking its 20th 20-win season under head coach Debbie Ryan.
Last Outing
Virginia claimed an 83-72 win over ACC rival Miami in the WNIT second round on March 22. Junior Brenna McGuire (Winchester, Mass.) and sophomore Sharneé Zoll (Marlboro, N.J.) paced the `Hoos with 16 points each. McGuire nailed four three-point buckets, while Zoll notched her third double-double with 11 assists. Junior Siedah Williams (Cleveland, Ohio) added 13 points. Overall, Miami out-rebounded Virginia, 40-35.