BYU Beats Slovakian Team in Preseason Game

PROVO -- The BYU women's basketball team took to the court for the first time this season Saturday night, dealing Lokomotiva Bratislava Slovakia a 63-46 loss in an exhibition game at the Marriott Center.

Junior April Hayes came off the bench and was the Cougars' leading scorer with 14 points. Senior co-captain Cady Williams chipped in with 13 points, while Lori Cuff rode a strong first half to finish with 10 points. Cuff also led the team in rebounds with seven boards. S. Borcinova was the Slovakian team's leading scorer with 10 points.

BYU led by just three points at the half but regrouped in the second half and dominated the rest of the game.

"It's good to get the first game under your belt, but we've got a long ways to go," said BYU head coach Trent Shippen. "We came out a little bit nervous, but did a better job the second half of moving the ball around and setting better screens and things. We'll get better as the season goes on."

Freshman Erin Thorn, a preseason selection for National Freshman of the Year, saw the most time on the court, starting and playing 31 minutes in her debut as a Cougar. Thorn finished with four points and four assists.

BYU improved to 1-0 in exhibition play, while the Slovakian team fell to 0-3. The Cougars will play host to the National Women's team next Saturday at 7 p.m. in another exhibition meeting.