Hampton Lady Pirates opens season at Pittsburgh Panthers

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania – The University of Pittsburgh women’s basketball team will open the 2011-12 season against Hampton on Saturday, Nov. 12 at the Petersen Events Center. Tip-off time is set for 2 p.m. Live stats, audio and video will be available through www.pittsburghpanthers.com. Scott Stiller and former Panther Karyle Lim, in her first broadcast, will have the call courtside on WJAS 1320 AM.

Head Coach Agnus Berenato begins her ninth season at Pitt on Saturday, 14 victories away from tying the all-time program mark for wins in women’s basketball.

Pitt returns five letterwinners from a squad that went 14-17 a season ago. The Panthers will take on the task of replacing over 75 percent of its scoring from a season ago with the highest recruiting class in program history (No. 19/Hoopgurlz).

The Pirates have captured the last two-straight MEAC tournament crowns and have won 24 of their last 27 contests. Hampton’s last loss came in the NCAA Tournament first round, an overtime setback at the hands of Kentucky.

Scouting the Lady Pirates

Hampton went 25-7 in 2010-11 and captured the MEAC title, advancing to the NCAA Tournament with the league’s automatic bid. The squad won 14 of its last 15 games before the overtime loss to Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament. In total, Hampton has won 24 of its last 27 contests.

The Lady Pirates return three starters led by senior guard Jericka Jenkins. The Texas native played in 28 games last season, averaging 13.4 points and 3.1 rebounds. Jenkins – a 5-4 guard - had a breakout season and was named Honorable Mention All-America, while ranked second in the nation in assists (201/7.2 assists per game). She is joined by classmates Choicetta McMillian (11.6 points and 3.8 rebounds per game) and Melanie Warner, (9.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, .5 bpg). Hampton brings in eight newcomers to complement its roster.

The Lady Pirates have won the past two-straight conference tournament crowns (and one regular season title) and rank among the most successful programs in Virginia over the past two seasons. The 45-19 two-year record is third only to James Madison (52-15) and Liberty (49-17) over the same span. The change coincides with head coach David Six, who begins his third season at Hampton this season.

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Game 1 vs. Hampton
Video Live: www.pittsburghpanthers.com.