Tigers Open 2007-08 Season with Win

PASADENA, Calif. (Nov. 16, 2007) – Opening night for the Tigers was a successful one as Occidental went on a late run to take a 73-61 victory over San Diego Christian College at the first ever Caltech-Occidental Tip-Off Classic.

Trailing by a point with 7:43 to play the Tigers’ newest addition, junior transfer Brianne Brown, put Oxy ahead for good. Occidental wouldn’t relinquish the 54-53 lead, going on an 11-2 run in the final three minutes to close out the game.

Senior three-time All-SCIAC player Stacie Roshon led the offensive force posting a game high 21 points. She sank five baskets from behind the arc and added a 2-2 performance at the line. Also scoring in double figures in the season opener were Brown and Laura Mohler with 14 and 12 points respectively.

Roshon, Mohler and freshman Madeline Rose each grabbed five rebounds including three offensive boards apiece for Roshon and Rose. Brown pulled down four rebounds and sophomore Gillian Nugent had three and recorded the only Oxy block of the game.

Brown led all players with three steals while Roshon, Mohler, Rose and Britinee Yasukochi each finished with a pair. Rose finished her collegiate debut with eight points and sophomore guard Yasukochi tallied seven.

Mohler dished out eight assists in 38 minutes on the court. Yasukochi finished with three assists.

Appearing in black and orange for the first time were junior transfer Asha Jordan and  freshman Stephanie Babij.

Oxy head coach Jaime Hoffman was pleased with the Tigers’ start. “It was a solid first outing for us. We saw a lot from our newcomers and consistency from our returners, Roshon and Moehler.”

Occidental shot 45.6% from the field. The Tigers scored 26 points in the paint and added 20 points off Hawks’ turnovers. Oxy showcased its depth, turning to the bench to provide 21 points while the San Diego Christian bench scored none.

Earlier today Caltech defeated Pacific Union 68-37. Lindsay King led the way for the Beavers with a 21-point performance. Sophomore Beaver Lisa Lee turned in a double-double performance, scoring 11 and grabbing 12 rebounds. The Pioneers were led by Nichole Stottlemyer who scored 19 points for Pacific Union.

Tomorrow at 6:05 the Tigers and Pioneers will tip off to conclude the opening weekend of the season. Caltech and San Diego Christian will play at 4:00 p.m. in Braun Gymnasium on the campus of Caltech.