Joanne Boyle Era Begins With 80-48 Win Over Appalachian State

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CHARLOTTESVILLE – The Virginia women’s basketball team, in Joanne Boyle’s debut as the Cavaliers’ head coach, defeated Appalachian State, 80-48, Friday (Nov. 11) at John Paul Jones Arena in the season-opener for both teams. Senior forward Chelsea Shine paced the Cavaliers with 15 points and eight rebounds.

Four Cavaliers scored in double figures – Shine, Jazmin Pitts (13 points, seven rebounds), Ataira Franklin (11 points, four assists) and Lexie Gerson (10 points, four assists) – and every player that saw time on the court scored.

Boyle improved to 10-0 in season-openers as a head coach as Virginia won its seventh-consecutive season-opening contest.

Virginia out-rebounded the Mountaineers, 46-36, and shot 46 percent from the field (29-of-63) including 6-for-14 from behind the 3-point line.

Gerson connected on a team-high three treys, while China Crosby chipped in eight points.

Appalachian State was led by Courtney Freeman’s double-double (15 points and 13 rebounds).

Virginia jumped out to a 12-2 lead on back-to-back buckets by Pitts with 13:30 left in the first half. Appalachian State battled to cut the lead to four points on two free throws by Freeman with 10:51 left that made the score 14-10 in favor of Virginia but the Cavaliers used a 7-0 run over the next two minutes to go up 21-10.

UVa led, 41-29, at halftime.

Virginia out-scored Appalachian State in the second half, 39-19.

Virginia’s bench accounted for 33 points and the Cavaliers held a 42-16 advantage in points in the paint.

Up next, Virginia travels to Big East opponent Providence for a Monday (Nov. 14) night match-up. Tip-off from Mullaney Gymnasium in Providence, R.I., is scheduled for 7 p.m.