Wingate opens 2010-11 season with 79-61 victory over Belmont Abbey Saturday

Wingate, N.C.----Wingate University guard/forward Kurie Washington (Marion, N.C.) tallied 16 points to lead four players in double figures as the Bulldogs defeated Belmont Abbey College 79-61 Saturday in Cuddy Arena. The contest was the season opener for both teams.

Wingate returns to action Wednesday, visiting UNC Pembroke for a 6 p.m. contest. Belmont Abbey continues its road swing Thursday, traveling to North Greenville University for a 5:30 p.m. encounter.

Washington filled out her statistics sheet with 16 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals. The two-time All-South Atlantic Conference performer hit five-of-12 field goals and two-of-four from downtown. Washington was joined in double figures by three Bulldog newcomers.

Wingate junior forward Simone Rutledge (Atlanta, Ga.) had 15 points, three assists and three steals. Freshman guard Janitsha Williams (Statesville, N.C.) came off the bench to contribute 13 points and six rebounds. Junior guard Tiffany Brown (Cartersville, Ga.) had 12 points on four-of-nine shooting from beyond the arc.

            For Belmont Abbey, senior forward Shayla Jackson (Knoxville, Tenn.) led the way with 16 points. The All-Conference Carolinas standout managed only four points after intermission. Crusader freshman forward Melisa Foures (Kernersville, N.C.) added 11 points, while junior forward Paula Regalado (Roanoke, Texas) contributed 10 points and seven rebounds.

            Belmont Abbey led 34-33 at halftime, thanks to Jackson’s 12 points. Washington equaled Jackson with 12 first-half markers. Rutledge scored the first basket of the second half for the Bulldogs, giving Wingate the lead for keeps with 19:42 remaining. A Rutledge three-pointer at the 15-minute mark put Wingate up 50-40. The hosts led by as many as 22 points down the stretch.

The Bulldogs shot 50 percent in the second half (16-of-32), while the Crusaders managed only 41.7 percent (10-of-24). Wingate made five-of-nine three-point field goals after the break. Belmont Abbey did not hit a triple after halftime Saturday. The Crusaders made three-of-four from long range in the opening 20 minutes.

Williams and sophomore forward Tish Logan (Suitland, Md.) had six rebounds each as Wingate outrebounded Belmont Abbey 39-36. Crusader senior forward Asha Hardaway (Greensboro, N.C.) led all rebounders with nine boards. The Bulldogs turned 24 Crusader turnovers into 31 points. Wingate finished the contest with 14 steals.