Lady Firebirds Continue Early Season Success, Extend Win Streak to 5

By: Alfons Prince

Washington DC: December 1, 2007--The UDC Lady Firebirds continued their early season success with a 73-54 win over the Lady Jackets of West Virginia State University.  The Lady Firebirds were led by the tandem of junior guard Robin Williams (Bronx, NY) and freshman forward Lillian McGill (Sumter, SC).  Williams led the team with 21 points while McGill added 19 points and 11 rebounds, her second double-double of the season.  McGill’s presence helped the Lady Firebirds enjoy a 44-32 advantage in rebounding. 
 
The Lady Jackets were able to stay with UDC the entire half, despite the rebounding margin. West Virginia State University was led by junior guard Brittany Mingo, who scored 23 points. The game was tied at 30 at halftime, mainly because West Virginia State University shot a blistering 52.5% (12-23) from the field.  This helped to offset their poor free-throw shooting, as the Lady Jackets only shot 4 of 11 from the free throw line.

West Virginia State University continued their hot shooting early in the second half, racing out to a seven point lead, 39-32 with 15:32 left in the game.  It was at this point when UDC’s defense began to take over.  Using a mixture of full court pressure and a trapping zone, the Lady Firebirds started forcing more turnovers.  They then converted these turnovers into points by pounding the ball into the post, where McGill was waiting.  West Virginia State University was only able to score 15 more points the rest of the game, as their 26 turnovers was too much to overcome. 
 
UDC now moves to 5-0, but they don’t get much time to celebrate their success.  The Lady Firebirds are back on the court on Monday, December 3, to face the Lady Vikings of Elizabeth City State University. That game will begin at 6:00 PM in UDC’s Physical Activities Center.