Milligan College, Tenn. (Nov. 2, 2009) --- The Milligan College women's basketball team had a strong first showing in their home opener Monday night in Steve Lacy Fieldhouse. The Lady Buffs (1-0) knocked off the Lady Knights of Southern Virginia (0-1) by a final of 66-48.  

Led by junior All-American center Heather Mandela's 22 point and seven rebound night, the Lady Buffs cruised to an season opening 18 point victory. After losing six from last year's squad that was crowned the AAC regular season co-champions, Milligan's newcomers gave quite an effort in their collegiate debuts as the Lady Buffs' bench outscored Southern Virginia 29-8.  

Milligan trailed only once in the ballgame, and worked as large as a 19 point lead over the Lady Knights, despite being outshot 42 to 38 percent. The Lady Buffs utilized their athleticism and tenacious defense to force 33 turnovers on the night and only allow the Lady Knights 38 field goal attempts.  

In their first games in orange and black, Victoria Dailey (Knoxville, Tenn.) and Megan Casteel (Greeneville, Tenn.) chipped in eight points apiece, while senior point guard Brit White (Chuckey, Tenn.) had a game high three steals and pitched in five points for the Lady Buffs.  

“It was a good opening win for us,” commented Head Coach Rich Aubrey. “We got a lot of the things a coach hopes for in an opener. Our veterans did great and our freshmen gave us good energy throughout the night.” 

Milligan's women host Berea College (Ky.) Tuesday, Nov. 3, in Steve Lacy Fieldhouse. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.