Nov. 16, 2001

Stony Brook opens its third Division I season and its first as a member of the Ameria East Conference today against the Rider Broncs.

THE SERIES Rider and Stony Brook had their only meeting back in 1999-2000 at Rider. The Broncs capitalized on 27% shooting by the Seawolves and a 13-0 run to open the game and went on to an 83-59 win. It was the third game of the Division I era for the Seawolves.

ABOUT THE BRONCS Rider returns two starters from a team that went 6-23 last season. Of those are the team's two leading scorers in Tanya Cross and Katie Kearon. Cross averaged 14.6 points and 6.2 rebounds last season. Kearon averaged 12.9 points and collected a team high 48 three-pointers. The Broncs hit just 35% of their field goals last season and were outrebounded by almost 10 rebounds per game.

MENDING WOLVES Stony Brook makes its debut with a depleted corps to say the least. It has been a tough summer and preseason for Roberts and company. Here's a list of injuries: Sherry Jordan - feet surgery (definite) Jill George - wrist (definite) Danyelle Ingram - shoulder (definite) Malica Jibowu - ACL (out) Maggie Triggs - knee (out) Sarah Burkett - finger (out) Danielle Moseley - knee (out)

NOVEMBER RAIN The Seawolves face their most difficult schedule in 2001-02, starting right off the bat. The Seawolves head to the St. Mary's of California tournament on November 23 and 24. Stony Brook takes on NCAA Tournament participant and host, St. Mary's on day one and will battle either Illinois or James Madison on the 24th. Illinois went 9-7 in the powerful Big Ten last year while James madison was a semifinalist in the WNIT last season. The Pack comes home to battle NCAA Tournament team Long Island University. Stony Brook battles Penn in the last weekend of November and will take on either Loyola-Marymount or George Mason the following day.

LAST TIME OUT Sophomore Theresa LoParrino had 33 points and five three-pointers and Sherry Jordan collected 26 points as Stony Brook defeated the New York Gazelles, 90-70, in a women's basketball exhibition Tuesday night, 90-70. Stony Brook shot 41% in the first half and LoParrino had 18 points as the Seawolves built a 52-34 lead. The Seawolves never let the Gazelles get closer than 16 points the rest of the way. Jordan had 26 points and grabbed 15 rebounds - seven on the offensive glass. The Gazelles were led by former Syracuse University player Teakyta Barnes, who had 24 points on six, three-pointers. Lawanda Greene had 19 points. Stony Brook committed 22 turnovers and the Gazelles had 26.

FOR OPENERS The Seawolves snapped a two-game losing streak in season openers with a 50-39 defeat of Delaware State last season. Stony Brook lost its last three home openers before last season's victory over the Hornets.

JORDAN PRESEASON ALL-AMERICA EAST Stony Brook's Sherry Jordan was named to the preseason All-America East team - one of five players chosen. Jordan averaged 18.5 points and 7.9 rebounds last season. The preseason All-America East team is below: Name School Cl. Pos. Ht. Janeka Lopp Hartford Sr. F 5-10 Heather Ernest Maine So. C/F 6-1 Sherry Jordan Stony Brook So. F 5-10 Morgan Hall Vermont Jr. G 6-1 Katie Terhune Boston U. So. G 5-11 NEXT HOME GAME The Seawolves host Long Island UniversityStony Brook hosts the 2001 Holiday Inn Express Tournament Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1. Stony Brook meets Penn at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. George Mason takes on Loyola-Marymount in the first game at 5:00 p.m.The consolation game is slated for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday with the championship to follow at 4:00 p.m.

CAPTAIN GEORGE Stony Brook senior center Jill George will be the team captain once again this season. George enjoyed her best year last season, averaging 9.1 points and 7.3 rebounds.