Nov. 2, 2006

BEAUMONT - The Lamar University women's basketball team will host their first exhibition game of the 2006-07 season Friday at 7 p.m. when they take on the Houston Elite at the Montagne Center.

Senior LaToya Carson, who was named to the 2006-07 Preseason All-Southland Conference first team, looks to lead the Lady Cardinals again this season. Carson is the team's leading returning scorer at 14 ppg, and was second on the team in rebounds with 148 (5.5 rpg). She led the team with 47 steals on the defensive end of the floor, while blocking 10 shots, and was one of the best free throw shooters in the Southland Conference, knocking down the freebies at an 81.4 percent clip.

Also returning to the floor for the Lamar women is a group of six letter winner's from a year ago. Senior Alexis Timpone, juniors Aida Bakhos, Shaquita Coffey and Jana Mustard along with sophomores Rashea Bell and Melissa Olsen make up LU's returning cast.

The group will be joined on the court by eight newcomers, Quiana Njoku, Vickie Toney, Jasmine Stewart, Brittany Williams, Jocelyn Ingram, Brittany Bush, Shontrice Blanche and Rhontrice Blanche. The cast of new players will give Lamar a solid group heading into the season.

The Houston Elite is a semiprofessional team which is made up of former college players. This year's squad has players from Rice University, Texas A&M, Texas Southern, The University of Missouri, Prairie View A&M, Houston Baptist, Wiley College and San Jacinto Community College.

After Friday night's tilt with the Elite, the Lady Cardinals will take on the Houston Jaguars Monday at 7 p.m. in the Montagne Center.