University of Richmond Athletics
Women's Basketball Opens Atlantic 10 Play
01/02/2004 | Women's Basketball
Jan. 2, 2004
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UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - After defeating two in-state rivals last week, the University of Richmond women's basketball team begins the conference portion of their schedule this weekend, facing Dayton on Saturday at 2 p.m. before playing Xavier on Monday at 7 p.m.
The Spiders (8-3) have won their last two contests by an average margin of 23 points and are currently leading the Atlantic 10 in scoring offense (73.8 ppg). Kate Flavin leads Richmond in both scoring (17.9) and rebounding (9.3) and has recorded three consecutive double-doubles.
Dayton has lost four consecutive games and is currently rankes 11th in the conference in scoring offense (57.3) and tenth in scoring defense (67.6). Stefanie Miller is the Flyers leading scorer, averaging 11.7 points per game.
Xavier is riding a two-game win streak after topping St. Francis (Pa.) on New Year's Eve. Last year's A-10 Rookie of the Year Tara Boothe is the only player to be averaging double-figures with 18.4 ppg.
GAME NOTES
The Match-Up
Richmond opens Atlantic 10 play this weekend, facing University of Dayton and Xavier University. The Spiders defeated cross-town rival VCU in their last outing on New Year's Eve. Dayton has lost four consecutive contests, last suffering a 73-61 loss at Marquette. Xavier recorded a victory over St. Francis (Pa.) on Decmber 31.
The Series
The Spiders and Flyers have met four times with the series tied at 2-2. Last season, the teams split their meetings as both recorded victories at home. Richmond and Xavier have also met four times with the Spiders holding a 3-1 advantage. In last season's meetings, the team each recorded one win.
The Coaches
Richmond head coach Joanne Boyle is in her second season on the Spider sidelines and owns a 29-14 overall mark. Dayton head coach Jim Jabir is in his first year at Dayton and 17th overall and holds a 220-223 career record. Xavier coach Kevin McGuff is in his second season with the Musketeers and has compiled a 28-13 mark.
Double-Trouble
Junior Kate Flavin has recorded 27 career double-doubles including six this season, which leads the conference. In the past two years, Richmond has won 16 of the 22 games when Flavin has accomplished this. Last season, she was one of only three players in the conference to average a double-double with 14.5 points per game and 10.3 rebounds.
From Downtown
Sophomore Araceli Gil has hit at least one three-point basket in all 11 of Richmond games this season. She connected on a career-high five in the Spiders' loss at LSU. She currently leads the team in made three-point baskets and ranks fifth in the conference, averaging 2.27 per outing.
All Around Game
Senior Amber Goppert is currently ranked in the Top 10 in four different Spider career records. The guards is among Richmond best in points, assists, steals and free throws. She ranks among the Top Five in both steals and made free throws.
High RPI
In the latest WBCA/Summerville RPI ratings, the Spiders are ranked seventh with an RPI of .66783 and their strength of schedule ranks third in the county. Richmond has the highest RPI of any Atlantic 10 team with George Washington next at 21st. At collegerpi.com, the Spiders rank 11th with an RPI of .6786 and their strength of schedule is sixth.
