University Southern California Trojans
Women Of Troy Travel To Washington, Washington State
March 06, 2000 | Women's Basketball
March 6, 2000
The Facts -- USC (13-13, 8-8 Pac-10) comes off a disappointing loss, 66-64, to Stanford on Sunday (March 5) and a 81-78 win over Cal on Friday (March 3). Having won the last five-of-seven games, the Trojans' hopes for a tournament invitation remain a possibility. For the final Pac-10 series, the Women of Troy travel to Washington this week, facing the Huskies on Thursday, March 9, at 7 p.m., and the Cougars on Saturday, March 11, at 3 p.m.
Catch The Trojans On the Web -- You can catch this week's games live via the internet by logging on to http://www.audionet.com/sports/ncaa/Washington/WomensBasketball/ for the USC-Washington game on Thursday, and http://www.wsucougars.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/live-broadcast.html for the USC-Washington State game on Saturday.
Postseason Hopes -- A postseason berth is still a possibility as the Women of Troy face their last two opponents of the 1999-2000 season. The Trojans are definitely a consideration for the Women's NIT, and may still be a question manr in the eyes of the NCAA considering...
* USC has won five of the last seven games and could finish as high as fourth place, tieing UCLA and Oregon State in the Pac-10.
* The Trojans own the 21st toughest schedule according to the Sagarin/CBN Ratings.
* The Trojans have faced nine ranked opponents this season, including four currently ranked in the Top-10: No. 6 Notre Dame, No. 7 Texas Tech, No. 8 Rutgers, No. 9 UCSB, No. 25 Stanford.
* Two of USC's losses to a ranked opponent came by less that three points.
* The Women of Troy upset No. 20 UCLA, No. 16 Arizona and Oregon (twice) when each was in first place in the Pac-10.
* In 1990-91, USC recorded a 11-7 record in the Pac-10 and received an NCAA bid, advancing to the West Regional.
* In 1994-95, the Women of Troy posted a 10-8 record in conference play after only winning two of their final five games. USC was invited NCAA tournament.
* USC is the fourth-highest ranked Pac-10 team in the RPI rankings (61st).
Tournament Announcements -- The 64-team NCAA Championship bracket will be announced on ESPN Sunday, March 12, at 2:15 p.m. PT. The 32-team Women's NIT bracket will also be announced on Sunday after the NCAA selections have been made.
Cal/Stanford Game Notes *** USC and Cal accounted a season-high 83 total free throw attempts *** Against the Bears, the Women of Troy earned their 13th win of the season - the best since 1996-97 *** 10 turnovers against Cal were a season-low for the Trojans *** For the second-straight year, USC fell just a couple points short of upsetting Stanford at home.
Game #26 - vs. Stanford (March 5) -- The Women of Troy relinquished a nine point lead down the stretch, as the Trojans fell to No. 25 Stanford, 66-64, on Sunday. USC led by as much as 12 points at the start of the second half (15:33) following a 4-to-1 effort after the break. The Cardinal tied the game with 5:20 left, and from there on, free throws made the difference. Stanford's Milena Flores and Bethany Donaphin combined to go 10-for-10 from the line in the final minutes, while USC went 15-of-27 as a team. Flores' final two free throws made it 66-61 with 10 seconds left. Erica Mashia hit a three-pointer for the Trojans with a second left to close the gap for the final score. Tiffany Elmore led the Women of Troy with 11 points, and Tiffany Washington had nine rebounds.
Quotes From Coach Gobrecht -- "We played a terrible second half defensively. (Stanford) scored 42 points on us after we had held them to 24 in the first. But we never would have been in that position had we hit our free throws." (following the USC-Stanford game, March 5)
Game #25 - vs. Cal (March 3) -- Guard Tiffany Elmore led four players in double figures as USC defeated Cal, 81-78. Despite only shooting 40.0 percent from the field, including 63.0 percent at the line, USC was able to benefit from a season-low 10 turnovers in the contest. Leading by as much as six points at 17:22, USC held a three-point advantage at the half (41-38). The contest remained close throughout, as the two teams tied the score a total of 12 times in the second half. USC gained the final deciding lead with 53 seconds remaining when a Bears' foul sent Elmore to the line. Cal and USC accounted for a season-high 83 free throw attempts, but only averaged 63 percent accuracy. The Trojans hit 29-of-46, while the Bears accounted for 23-of-37.
Quotes From Coach Gobrecht -- "I think it was really hard for either team to get into the flow of things with all the fouls. Both teams were playing aggressive pressure man defense the whole game, we just played really good defense down the stretch." (following the USC-Cal game, March 3)
Schedule Receives Top Rank -- According to the most recent RPI ratings, the Women of Troy have played the 21st-toughest schedule in the nation.
Don't Come If You're No. 1 -- With a 8-8 conference record, the Women of Troy have struggled against lower ranked teams, but prevailed against the top. USC has defeated three of the four conference leaders (Oregon, Arizona, UCLA), each when they were in first place in the Pac-10 race. They have taken advantage of each team at home and swept Oregon with a win on the road.
Putting An End To The Streaks -- The Women of Troy have seen various streaks come to an end this season. The team began 1999-2000 with a season-opening win over Portland (Nov. 23), breaking a six-game losing streak which ended the 1998-99 season. Then, with a 71-61 win over Washington State (Jan. 7), the Trojans grabbed their first Pac-10 victory in the same time span. USC's biggest victories came against Oregon (Jan. 27), #20 UCLA (Feb. 12) and #15 Arizona (Feb. 17). Troy had not beaten either Oregon or UCLA in five years, and Arizona in six years - and neither since the arrival of head coach Chris Gobrecht.
Home Is Where The Wins Are -- So far, the Women of Troy have faced a tough road schedule this season, but through it all the Trojans have found comfort at home. USC currently owns a 10-3 record on its own territory, including a 4-0 mark at the Lyon Center and 6-3 record at the Sports Arena.
Injury Update -- Forward Tiffany Washington suffered a sprain to her left knee mcl during the USC-Cal game (Feb. 3). She did not play against Stanford (Feb. 5), but was back in the starting lineup against UCLA (Feb. 12), playing 18 minutes. Junior guard Ayeshia Smith broke her middle finger on her left hand during the Washington State game (Jan. 7). She is out indefinitely for the remainder of the season. To note... Assistant coach Erika Lang-Montgomery tore her Achilles on Jan. 11, underwent surgery on Jan. 12.
USC News & Notes *** The 1999-2000 Women of Troy own the best record under third-year head coach Chris Gobrecht *** USC swept Oregon this season for the first time since 1993-94, and earned its first conference road win in 2000 *** Oregon State is the only Pac-10 team to beat the Trojans twice this season *** Tiffany Elmore was named USC's first Pac-10 Player of the Week since 1997 on Feb. 14 after three-straight wins *** A 80-68 win over No. 15 Arizona (Feb. 17) broke a six-game losing streak against the Wildcats and marked the first consecutive win over a ranked opponent in the 90s *** USC had five players finish in double figures against the Wildcats for the first time this season *** With the upset victory on Feb. 12 against UCLA, the Trojans defeated their first ranked opponent of the season and broke a five-game losing streak against the No. 20 Bruins *** USC's win over Oregon (Jan. 27) broke a five-game losing streak against the Ducks, and was the first win over Oregon for Coach Gobrecht at USC *** The Women of Troy embarked on their first 2-0 Pac-10 start since the 1996-97 season, before falling to UCLA on Sunday (Jan. 16) *** USC's victory over Washington State (Jan. 7) marked the end of a six-game Pac-10 losing streak, which closed the 1998-99 season (Troy's last Pac-10 victory was against Cal on Feb. 12, 1999) *** With three-straight road losses to UCSB, Notre Dame and Rutgers, the Trojans' endured their first losing streak of the 1999-2000 season *** USC's victory over Baylor marked the Trojans' first win over a Big 12 opponent since March 21, 1993 (vs. Nebraska, 78-60, at NCAA First Round) *** The Women of Troy have posted a 22-2 all-time record in home openers with the win against Creighton (Nov. 26) *** With a season-opening win over Portland (Nov. 23), the Trojans broke a six-game losing streak dating back to last season *** USC faced three defending conference champions this season prior to conference play, including Texas Tech (Big XII), UCSB (Big West) and Rutgers (Big East) *** Troy's 1999 recruiting class was ranked among the nation's top by several publications: No. 8 Athlon Sports College Basketball Preview, No. 9 Women's Basketball Journal, No. 14 Blue Star Basketball Report *** USC was picked to finished seventh in the Pac-10 preseason coaches poll.
Tiffany Elmore Named Pac-10 Player of the Week -- Tiffany Elmore has been named the Pacific-10 Conference Women's Basketball Player of the Week for Feb. 14-20, after leading USC to an 80-68 upset victory over No. 15 Arizona, and a 76-70 win over Arizona State last week. For the week, Elmore averaged 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds, shooing 81.8 percent from the line (9-for-11). Against ASU, Elmore scored a team-high 16 points, grabbed four boards and had two assists. In the upset over the Wildcats, she contributed 11 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals. Her defensive efforts helped hold Arizona, the league's highest scoring team, to just 68 points, more than 12 points below its season average. The Player of the Week honor is the first of Elmore's career, and the 26th all-time selection for USC. It is USC's first Player of the Week selection since Jan. 20, 1997.
Women Of Troy Ranking History -- The 400th AP poll was issued Monday, Feb. 7. In its history, there have been 130 teams that have been ranked a total of 8,984 times. Among those teams, USC ranks 16th, making 195 appearances in the program's 24-year history. The Trojans fall right behind Stanford who has been ranked a total of 197 times. UCLA is the next Pac-10 team to make the list, ranking 30th.
Shot Stopper -- Center Denise Woods, the team's only true and active center, blocked a personal-best five shots from reaching the net against Arizona State (Jan. 20). Against Oregon, she added three more to her list of accomplishments. As a team, the Trojans' stopped 12 shots against the Sun Devils - a season-high among Pac-10 schools. This season, Woods has improved her average by nearly a half a block a game (.5+) since her days at San Francisco. She leads the team with a 1.7 bpg average, which ranks third in the Pac-10.
USC Against Ranked Opponents -- In February, USC's luck against ranked opponents changed. On Feb. 12, USC earned its first win over a ranked opponent by upsetting No. 20 UCLA, 73-69. The Trojans followed that performance with a 80-68 victory over No. 15 Arizona on Feb. 17. The last time the Women of Troy beat a ranked opponent was on March 2, 1996, in a 67-66 upset over No. 22 Oregon State. The Trojans have not beat two ranked opponents consecutively in the 90s (records are inconclusive prior to 1990). Aside from these wins, USC is 0-7 against ranked opponents, including an overtime loss to No. 7 Texas Tech on Nov. 29 and a two-point loss to No. 25 Stanford on March 5.
Prep Connection -- 1999-2000 is the third and final season two prep teammates will share the Trojan spotlight. Senior forward Tiffany Washington and junior forward Tashara Carter both hail from Bishop Montgomery High in Torrance, Calif. As preps, each was named Del Rey League MVP and Division III Player of the Year. In 1995-96, the duo helped lead Bishop Montgomery to the Southern Section Division III championships and state finals. At USC, Washington and Carter have started in nearly every game for the past two seasons. They return this season as the team's top two rebounders with a 7.0 and 6.0 average in 1998-99.
Mashia Is Back -- After missing the last three seasons due to injuries, senior guard Erica Mashia has finally returned to the USC starting lineup As a freshman, Mashia made a noticeable impact on the Pac-10 and became the sixth player in program history to be named to the Pac-10 All-Freshman team. Only 13 games into her career at USC, she set a conference and program record for consecutive free throws made (33). With an 84.4 free throw percentage that season, she remains as USC's all-time single-season leader. Her accomplishments as a freshman were unfortunately followed by two consecutive hip injuries and a knee injury that forced her to sit out the past three seasons.
All-Pac-10 Returner -- Sophomore guard Tiffany Elmore returns this season after earning All-Pac-10 honorable mention honors as a freshman. Starting in 25 of 27 games in 1998-99, Elmore was forced to exhibit tremendous leadership and skill in only her first year. She finished the season as the team's second-highest scorer (11.9 ppg) after twice scoring a career-high 24 points against Drake (11/25/98) and California (2/12/99). Adrain Williams, who graduate in May 1999, was the team's other 1998-99 all-conference selection.
Transfer Talent -- Two players, forced to sit and watch the team struggle last season, are eligible and eager to see playing time in 1999-2000. Denise Woods and Danielle Golay redshirted the 1998-99 season after each transferred from Division I programs. Woods, a 6-foot-2 center, played her first two collegiate seasons at the University of San Francisco. As a sophomore, she earned All-West Coast Conference honors and averaged 14.0 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. Golay, a 6-foot-2 forward, transferred after having played three seasons at Seton Hall. There, she earned All-Big East honors as a junior after leading the team in scoring (17.2 ppg), field goal percentage (.521) and rebounds (8.2 rpg).
Vote of Confidence -- During the Lifetime television broadcast of the Four in the Fall Classic in Lubbock, Texas, the analysts were asked which teams they predict will reach the 2000 Final Four. USC Alum Cynthia Cooper of the WNBA's Houston Comets had this to say... "La Tech, UConn, Tennessee, USC... I like a Cinderella favorite. My old Trojans, USC - they're going to upset everyone."
2000 Recruits -- Ebony Hoffman of Narbonne High in Harbor City, Calif., the top-rated post player in the country, has signed a letter-of-intent with the USC women's basketball team, head coach Chris Gobrecht announced Tuesday (Nov. 16). Signing with Hoffman are guards Aisha Hollans of Berkeley (Calif.) High, and Ryane Alexander of Copperas Cove (Tex.) High. Hoffman, a 6-foot-2 center, averaged 15.7 rebounds and 3.9 blocks per game as a junior last season, earning All-America, All-State and All-L.A. City accolades. Also a highly-touted player, Hollans was recently ranked No. 21 among the nation's recruits by the All-Star Girls Report. Alexander, a 5-foot-7 point guard, averaged 8.2 points, 3.8 steals and 3.8 assists per game last season.
Head Coach Chris Gobrecht -- Chris Gobrecht enters her third season at the helm of the USC women's basketball program. Replacing former head coach Fred Williams on May 8, 1997, Gobrecht returned to her alma mater to help guide the Women of Troy back to national prominence. Throughout 21 years of head coaching experience, Gobrecht has amassed a 364-251 (.592) career record with her programs at Cal State Fullerton (six years), Washington (11), Florida State (one) and USC. During her 11-year tenure at Washington, she was twice named Pac-10 Coach of the Year (1987 and 1988). Gobrecht remains the second-winningest coach in conference history with a 151-82 (.648) mark, and she ranks 37th among active Division I coaches with 363 career victories.
USC Announces On-Campus Events Center -- On October 21, USC announced plans to begin construction of a multipurpose on-campus events center that will be home to USC basketball and volleyball. Construction is to begin next summer and it is expected that the 12,000-seat arena will be officially completed by January 2002. Current plans locate the facility on the southeast corner of Jefferson Boulevard and Figueroa Street, adjacent to the University Park Campus.
- - - A Look At The Opponents - - -
Coach Gobrecht and Washington -- From 1988 to 1996, "Gobrecht put Washington women's basketball on the map. In 11 years, she created a product that the city of Seattle embraced...," as explained in the 1999-2000 Huskie media guide. Gobrecht was the first women's basketball coach to lead the Huskies for five consecutive seasons, to win 100 games, and to reach the 300-win milestone in her career. She became the winningest coach in Washington history in just her fourth season, and in 10 of the 11, her teams posted 17 or more wins.
The Last Time vs. Washington -- Posting eight points in the final two minutes, Tashara Carter led USC in a 77-66 victory over Washington. Carter recorded a career-best 21 points in the game. The Women of Troy displayed their best first-half performance of the year, entering halftime with a 17-point advantage (48-31) on a season-best 51.4 shooting effort. USC embarked on a 7-2 run to begin the second half, before Washington began to cutaway on the Trojans' 22-point lead (55-33). The Huskies came within three until Carter's jumper at 1:54 ended a three-minute USC scoring drought and regain control of the game.
Notes On Washington -- In their 25-year history, Washington is on the verge of posting their worst overall record, both overall and in conference play. The Huskies (8-20, 4-12 Pac-10) managed to defeat instate rival WSU twice, earned a 78-76 win over Arizona State on Jan. 13, and upset Stanford, 85-83, on Jan. 27. In last week's win over the Cougars, four Huskies scored in double figures. Freshman guard Loree Payne led with 17 points, while forward Emily Autrey added eight rebounds. Payne's 16.8 ppg average is only surpassed by guard Megan Franza who averages 17.3 points, 1.2 steals and 2.6 assists per game.
USC-Washington Series Record -- Washington is one of two Pac-10 schools (Stanford is the other) who own a winning record against USC. Since their first meeting in 1986-87, the Trojans have posted a 11-16 mark against the Huskies. Last season, Washington swept Troy twice, 79-71 at home, and 74-54 on the road, but the Women of Troy avenged the losses in the 2000 Pac-10 series opener with a 77-66 victory at home. USC has only won three games (3-10) in Seattle, the last in the 1996-97 season by a single point, 69-68.
The Last Time vs. Washington State -- USC defeated Washington State, 71-61, to break a six-game Pac-10 losing streak for the Women of Troy (dating back to Feb. 14, 1999), and a three-game losing streak this season. Erica Mashia had a career-best performance with six three-pointers (6-of-9), tieing USC's all-time program record. USC's defense held the Cougars to a season-low 19 points and 26.9 percent (7-of-26) shooting in the first half, as the Trojans entered the break with a 34-19 advantage. The Women of Troy were able to maintain control of the game, despite allowing WSU to come within seven (44-37) with 12:28 remaining on the clock.
Notes On Washington state -- With a 4-22 overall record and 1-15 mark in the Pac-10, Washington State has endured its worst season in program history. The Cougars single conference win was a 72-65 victory over Cal on Jan. 27. Last week, Washington State fell to instate rival Washington, 64-56. Forward Victoria Harrod led the Cougars with 14 points in the game and center Kelley Berglund accounted for seven rebounds. With eight points and five rebounds against the Huskies, center Alke Dietel currently leads the team, averaging 13.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Head coach Jenny Przekwas is finishing her first season at Washington State.
USC-Washington state Series Record -- Thursday's game will mark the 29th meeting between these two teams. The first was in 1981-82 in a preseason game before the Cougars joined the Pac-10. USC owns a 18-10 overall record against Washington State, after dropping two games to the Cougars last season. This season, the Trojans earned a 71-61 win at the Lyon Center in the Pac-10 opener.
- - - Player Profiles - - -
#3 Tiffany Elmore
Guard, 5-10, Sophomore, Sacramento, CA (Florin)
Last season's starting guard, Elmore was a All-Pac-10 honorable mention selection in 1998-99. She finished as high as 13th among conference scoring leaders, and her 11.9 points per game average was second on the team. This season... Has played in 25 games and made 24 starts... With 11 points (4-of-14), she was Troy's only player to score in double figures, posting a team-leading eight rebounds, three steals and three blocks, but was responsible for seven of 22 USC turnovers against Long Beach State (Dec. 8)... Added a season-high 14 points and career-best 5 assists against Baylor (Dec. 19)... Posted 12 points and six rebounds against UCSB (Dec. 21)... Fouled out against the Gauchos... Suffered a sprained right ankle on Jan. 5 during practice, and did not play against Washington State (Jan. 7)... Had a season-best 16 points (7-of-11) against Washington (Jan. 9)... Allowed eight turnovers in 32 minutes against UCLA (Jan. 16)... Added 13 points against Arizona State (Jan. 20), tied a career-high with three blocks and three steals... Posted 10 points against Arizona (Jan. 22)... Hit the game-winning shot against Oregon (Jan. 27) and had 13 total points... Collected three steals, but fouled out against Oregon State (Jan. 29)... Added 13 points and two assists against Cal (Feb. 3)... Scored a season-high 20 points against UCLA (Feb. 12) and put the Trojans ahead for good on a jumper with 51 seconds left... Added 10 points and a team-leading six rebounds against Arizona (Feb. 17)... Scored a team-high 16 points and grabbed four boards and two assists against Arizona State (Feb. 19)... Score five points in the final minute to secure USC's victory over the Sun Devils... Named Pac-10 Player of the Week (Feb. 21) after averaging 13.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 steals and an 81.8 shooting percent from the line for the week, and leading USC to its third-straight win - this was the first Player of the Week honor of her career... Added 12 points, three assists and three steals against Oregon State (Feb. 24)... Hit two key free throws against Oregon (Feb. 5) to give USC its biggest lead of the game (56-48) with less than six minutes remaining... Led with 15 points, including 2-of-3 three-pointers, and four assists against Cal (Mar. 3)... Added a team-high 11 points and four steals against Stanford (Mar. 5).
#5 Camille Norwood
Guard, 5-8, Sophomore, Los Angeles, CA (Washington)
Known for her ball-handling skills and offensive touch, Norwood will compete for starting time at the point position this season. This season... Has played in 21 games... Hit 5-of-6 at the line against Baylor (Dec. 19)... Sat-out against Washington State (Jan. 7) due to a one-game suspension for an infraction of team rules... Added two assists against Oregon (Jan. 27)... Surpassed her previous high with three assists against Oregon State (Jan. 29)... Played a season-high 12 minutes against UCLA (Feb. 12) with eight points and five rebounds... Had her best performance this season against Arizona (Feb. 17), hitting 2-of-2 from three-point range (8 pts.) - a career-high - and adding three rebounds... Surpassed her season-highs against Arizona State (Feb. 19), collecting 10 points and hitting 1-of-1 at the line and behind the arch... Fouled out against Oregon State (Feb. 24)... Under pressure, she hit 5-of-6 at the line to clinch the victory over Oregon (Feb. 26)... Posted her first block against Cal (Mar. 3), tieing a career-high... Tied a season-high with 10 points against Stanford (Mar. 5).
#11 Erica Mashia
Guard, 5-7, Senior, Portland, OR. (Jefferson)
Mashia makes a final comeback attempt this season after being forced to sit out the past three years due to knee and hip injuries. An All- Pac-10 Freshman selection in her first year with the Trojans, Mashia looks to reclaim her reputation. This season... Has played in 26 games and made 20 starts... Made her official return to the court against Portland (Nov. 23), posting 10 points and shooting 4-of-7 from the field, including 1-of-3 from three-point range... Sparked the team with a familiar performance against SDSU (Dec. 4) with five three-pointers which tied a career-best and USC's fourth-best all-time game record... Went 1-of-7 (3 points) from the field against LBSU (Dec. 8)... Made her first start since 1995-96 against Baylor (Dec. 19), but struggled at the point with 7 turnovers... Set a season-high with five assists against UCSB (Dec. 21)... Hit 2-of-5 from behind the arch (4-of-10 overall, 10 points) and forced six turnovers against Notre Dame (Dec. 27)... Tied a season-best with 15 points against Rutgers (Dec. 30) with a 50 percent shooting effort, including 3-of-7 three-pointers... Had her best performance this season against Washington State (Jan. 7), hitting 6-of-9 three pointers and added four rebounds and 20 points... Her six three-pointers tied a USC all-time record, set a personal career-best and marked a Pac-10 season-best... Was held to 3-of-12 (7 pts.) shooting, but grabbed a season-best five rebounds against UCLA (Jan. 16)... Hit 3-of-5 three-pointers against Arizona State (Jan. 20), including one at :08 to send the game into overtime... Hit 4-of-4 at the line and had 17 total points in Tempe... Surpassed season-high with six assists against Cal (Feb. 3)... Posted 14 points in the second half, including 3-of-7 from behind the arch, against Stanford (Feb. 5)... Also grabbed six rebounds against the Cardinal tieing a career-high... Added nine points and four steals against Arizona (Feb. 17)... Scored 14 points, including 4-of-4 at the line, against Arizona State (Feb. 19)... Hit three three-pointers for nine points against Stanford (Mar. 5) and for the first time this season, did not commit a turnover.
#12 Ayeshia Smith
Guard, 5-5, Junior, Philadelphia, PA. (Cowley County CC)
A transfer from Cowley Community College, Smith possesses a knack for ball handling and passing, and the ability to score from the perimeter. This season... Has played in 11 games and made 4 starts... Led the team with 11 points (3-10) and seven assists against Portland (Nov. 23)... Accounted for 13 points (6-13) against Creighton (Nov. 26)... Had nine assists against San Diego State (Dec. 4)... Added three assists against the 49ers (Dec. 8)... Hit 2-of-2 from three-point range for six points against Rutgers (Dec. 30)... She is out indefinitely for the remainder of the season after breaking her middle finger on her left hand against Washington State (Jan. 9).
#13 Denise Woods
Center, 6-2, Junior, Richmond, CA (Univ. of San Francisco)
Woods joins the squad this season as a redshirt junior after transferring from San Francisco. An 1998 All-West Coast Conference selection, she brings needed size and skill to the post. This season... Has played in 26 games and made 8 starts... Made game-winning layup in USC's narrow defeat of Creighton (Nov. 26)... Added a season-high 19 points (8-11) against Texas Tech (Nov. 29), and led the team with eight rebounds and three blocks... Shot a team-high 40.0 percent against LBSU (Dec. 8), and added two blocks and seven boards... Posted a season-best 12 boards, and accounted for three blocks against Sac State (Dec. 11)... Blocked a personal-best four shots against Washington State (Jan. 7) and added 13 points... Went 4-of-4 from the field (8 points) and made three stops against Washington (Jan. 9)... Provided a spark of the bench, posting 14 points (6-of-10) all in the second half against UCLA (Jan. 16)... Led the squad with seven rebounds and a season-high five blocks against Arizona State (Jan. 20)... Added another three blocks against Oregon (Jan. 27), while hitting 2-of-2 from three point range for 11 total points... Hit 6-of-6 at the line against Oregon State (Jan. 29)... Started against Stanford (Feb. 5) and added six rebounds... Was flawless from the field against UCLA (Feb. 12), hitting 4-of-4 field goals, 1-of-1 from 3-point range and 2-of-2 at the line... Hit 3-of-3 from the field for six points against Oregon (Feb. 26)... Had a great all-around performance against Cal (Mar. 3) with nine points, including 8-of-11 at the line, nine rebounds and three blocks.
#14 Carmen Krause
Forward, 6-1, Sophomore, Prescott, AZ (Prescott)
Honored as the team's "Most Improved Player" last season, Krause returns to the forward position to add depth and valuable experience gained in 1998-99. This season... Has played in 25 games... Did not travel to Portland (Nov. 23) due to illness... Had a career-best performance against Baylor (Dec. 19) with 11 points (4-of-5) and added 4 rebounds... Went 5-of-6 at the line, grabbed seven rebounds and forced two turnovers against UCSB (Dec. 21) - all season highs... Hit her first career three-pointer en route to a six point, three assist performance against Arizona State (Jan. 20)... Posted a season-best four assists against Stanford (Feb. 5)... Played a key role in the win over Arizona (Feb. 17), going 8-of-12 at the line for 10 points, and grabbing five boards... Hit a three-pointer against Oregon State (Feb. 24)... Set a career-best hitting 2-of-2 from three-point range against Cal (Mar. 3)... Went 2-of-3 from beyond the three-point arch for eight points against Stanford (Mar. 5).
#15 Lauren Smith-Hams
Guard, 5-7, Freshman, Los Altos, CA (Pinewood)
The daughter of one of the cofounders of the American Basketball League, Smith-Hams was an all-league first team four-year selection as a prep. This season... Has played in 25 games and made 3 starts... Made first start against Creighton on November 26... In only her second start of the season against Sac State (Dec. 11), she hit 3-of-6 from three-point range to add to 11 total points... Went 2-of-2 from the field and 1-of-1 from behind the arch against Arizona State (Jan. 20)... Made three steals against the Sun Devils (Feb. 19)... Ended a nine game three-point drought with one shot behind the arch against Oregon State (Feb. 24)... Hit 3-of-4 off the bench, including 2-of-2 from behind the arch for eight points against Oregon (Feb. 26).
#20 Tennille Grant
Guard/Forward, 5-10, Freshman, Kansas City, MO (Northeast)
A Nike Midwest All-American, Grant possesses quickness and scoring ability at the small forward position. This season... Has played in 19 games... Was 2-of-2 from the field against San Diego State (Dec. 4)... Hit 2-of-3 from the field, 2-of-2 at the line (6 points) and added five rebounds against Sac State (Dec. 11)... Played 17 minutes against Rutgers (Dec. 30)... Hit 2-of-2 from the field against Arizona State (Jan. 20).
#21 Erin Young
Guard, 5-11, Freshman, Dallas, TX (Highland Park)
A 1999-2000 walk-on, Young has proven to be a talented and athletic guard in her first season at Troy. This season... Has played in 20 games and made 1 start... Tallied her first field goal of the season with a three-point shot against Sac State (Dec. 11)... Played seven minutes and added one three-pointer and one board against Notre Dame (Dec. 27)... Topped her previous performances with nine points, including 2-3 from three-point range in 21 minutes of play against Washington State (Jan. 7)... Added one steal and 2-of-2 at the line against Arizona State (Jan. 20)... Hit 2-of-2 from the field, including one three-pointer, against Arizona (Jan. 22)... Shot 100.0 percent in nine minutes on the court with one field goal and 2-of-2 at the line against Cal (Feb. 3)... Made her first collegiate start against Stanford (Feb. 5)... Collected a season-best two steals against Oregon (Feb. 26).
#22 Tashara Carter
Forward, 6-0, Junior, Harbor City, CA (Bishop Montgomery)
A two-year starter, Carter gained valuable experience at both the guard and forward positions last season. Among the returners, she led last year's squad in assists (1.78 apg), steals (2.0 spg) and blocks (0.70 bpg). This season... Has played in 26 games and made 26 starts... Posted a team-leading nine rebounds and three blocks at Portland (Nov. 23)... Added five assists against Texas Tech (Nov. 29)... Fouled out against LBSU (Dec. 8)... Accounted for 11 points and career-best six assists against Sac State (Dec. 11), while shooting 66.6 percent on the night... Tied career-best with six assists against Baylor (Dec. 19), while accounting for 14 points (6-of-9)... Added 10 points, including 10th and 11th straight points at the line against Notre Dame (Dec. 27)... Fouled out against Rutgers (Dec. 30)... Scored a career-high 21 points (9-of-13) against Washington (Jan. 9) - seven of which were scored in the final two minutes... Forced a season-best four turnovers against UCLA (Jan. 16)... Had her sixth double-figure performance against Arizona State (Jan. 20) with 12 points... Added a team-high 12 points against Arizona (Jan. 22)... Led the team with 20 points against Oregon (Jan. 27) - the second time this season she's scored 20+ points... Posted a team-high 15 points and four steals against Cal (Feb. 3)... Scored 19 points against Stanford (Feb. 5), 17 of them in the first half... Also went 5-for-5 at the line against the Cardinal... Added 10 points, six rebounds and three steals against UCLA (Feb. 12)... Led the team with 14 points (7-of-12) against Arizona (Feb. 17)... Scored 13 points and added three assists against the Sun Devils (Feb. 19)... Added 10 points and five boards against Oregon (Feb. 26)... Posted 12 points and five rebounds against Cal (Mar. 3).
#35 Portia Mitchell
Center, 6-4, Freshman, Los Angeles, CA (Narbonne)
A Women's Basketball Journal, Nike and Student Sport All-America upon entering USC. This season... Has not dressed for a game this season since failing to meet conditioning requirements.
#40 Tiffany Washington
Forward/Center, 6-2, Senior, Lawndale, CA (Bishop Montgomery)
Undoubtedly the squad's most experienced player, Washington has played an important role in the program over the last four years. Last season she was the fifth-leading rebounder (7.0 rpg) in the Pac-10. This season... Has played in 25 games and made 19 starts... Had two steals and six boards against San Diego State (Dec. 4)... Nearly posted a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds against Sac State (Dec. 11)... Led the team with five rebounds against Notre Dame (Dec. 27)... Started against Rutgers (Dec. 30) and added four rebounds and five points... Posted the team's first double-double of the season with 11 points and 11 boards against WSU (Jan. 7) - all points were tallied at the line... Made her first assist of the season and added eight points against Arizona State (Jan. 20)... Collected her first block of the season, along with a season-high five steals and 3-of-4 shooting against Arizona (Jan. 22)... Led the team with 11 points against OSU (Jan. 29)... Added 11 points and led with eight rebounds against Cal (Feb. 3)... Suffered a possible sprained left knee against the Bears and did not play against Stanford (Feb. 5)... Posted 10 points, including 6-of-8 at the line against Arizona (Feb. 17), and led the team with six rebounds... Led the team with seven rebounds and added 10 points (Feb. 19)... Had her second double-double performance of the season with a career-high and team-leading 18 points and 11 rebounds... Added another 11 boards against Oregon (Feb. 26)... Fouled out against the Ducks... Posted 13 points and seven rebounds, including 5-of-6 at the line, against Cal (Mar. 3)... Led the team with nine rebounds and a near double-double with nine points against Stanford (Mar. 5).
#43 Danielle Golay
Forward, 6-2, Senior, Manassas, VA (Seton Hall Univ.)
Golay joins the program as an active player after three seasons at Seton Hall. An All-Big East second team pick her final season, she averaged 12.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. This season... Has played in 26 games and made 26 starts... Added 10 points and was perfect from the line (4-4) against Portland (Nov. 23)... Nearly missed a double-double with 10 points and nine boards against Creighton (Nov. 26), while shooting 4-of-4 from the line and leading the team with three steals... Added 14 points against Texas Tech (Nov. 29)... Led the team in scoring with 16 points and had boards and two steals against SDSU (Dec. 4)... Added a team-leading 12 points against Sac State (Dec. 11)... Led the team with a season-best 19 points (75%) and eight rebounds against Baylor (Dec. 19), and was perfect at the line (4-of-4)... Had a game-leading 17 points (6-13) and seven boards against UCSB (Dec. 21)... With a similar performance, hit 6-of-13 on the night to lead the team with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists against Notre Dame (Dec. 27)... Posted 12 points (5-of-11) and five boards against Rutgers (Dec. 30)... Had 17 points against Washington (Jan. 9)... Had her third-straight double digit performance with 20 points (8-of-16) against UCLA (Jan. 16), surpassing a season-high... Fouled out in the overtime period against ASU (Jan. 20)... Was held to 0-for-6 against the Sun Devils... Rebounded against Arizona with 12 points and three steals against Arizona (Jan. 22)... Posted 11 points and a team-high six rebounds, three assists and two steals against Oregon (Jan. 27)... Added 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting (Jan. 29)... Had 12 points and seven rebounds against UCLA (Feb. 12)... Had 10 points and five rebounds against Arizona (Feb. 17), going 4-of-5 from the field... Fouled out against the Wildcats... Added 14 points against OSU (Feb. 24)... Led the team with 19 points, including 11 in the second half, and a season-high four steals against Oregon (Feb. 26).
