Nov. 12, 2006
BOULDER, Colo. — The No. 15/16 Vanderbilt women’s basketball team survived a tough road contest against a major-conference opponent, overcoming Colorado, 81-76, Sunday at the Coors Events Conference Center.
Senior forward Carla Thomas posted a team-high 26 points, including 17 in the second half, to lift the Commodores. Thomas was a late scratch from the starting lineup due to a back ailment, but came in early in the first half and played a total of 29 minutes.
Thomas’ 26 points were the most she had scored since a 37-point performance at Georgia in the 2004-05 regular season finale.
Senior Caroline Williams added 21 points, while sophomore Christina Wirth had 14.
The Commodores led by as many as 17 points in the second half, but Colorado clawed back behind a 27-point, 12-rebound performance by Jackie McFarland.
Junior Liz Sherwood scored six points in the first five minutes of the game, but was forced to sit after picking up two quick fouls.
Sophomore Jennifer Risper made her first career start, while five Commodores made their first collegiate appearances. Jessica Mooney led all newcomers with four points and three rebounds, while Lauren Lueders, Merideth Marsh, Amber Norton and Amy Malo all saw action.
Marsh’s first points as a Commodore came in exciting fashion, as the Louisville, Ky., native banked in a half-court shot as the first half expired.
Vanderbilt remains on the road this week, making the 90-minute trip up Interstate-65 to face Western Kentucky in Bowling Green on Thursday, Nov. 16.
