By: KSU Sports Information Department
KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State Lady Owls will be looking for its second straight win on Sunday afternoon as they travel to play the Clemson Lady Tigers at Littlejohn Coliseum.
The Lady Owls (2-2) will be playing its third Atlantic Coast Conference opponent in five games after playing Miami (Fla.) and Georgia Tech. The Lady Tigers (2-1) are coming off a 14-point loss at South Carolina, but are 2-0 at home this season with wins over UNC Greensboro and Charleston Southern.
Kennesaw State will look towards junior Angie Smith for an offensive spark. Smith has scored in double figures in all four games this season and she is coming off back-to-back 20-point efforts. The Fort Lauderdale, Fla. native scored a career-high 22 points at Georgia Tech and followed with a 21-point effort against Alabama State.
“Angie is playing like we knew she could play when we signed her as a freshman,” said head coach Colby Tilley. “But, what has really been impressive is her defense. It has been tenacious since the first game.”
In addition to Smith’s play, Ashley Holliday scored a career-high 17 points against Alabama State and Sametria Gideon is coming off a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double.
“Ashley played a great game against Alabama State and Sametria was a force in the paint,” added Tilley. “We need continued good play from both of them as we get deeper into the season.”
The Lady Tigers bring a strong starting five in Kristyn Wright, Shaniqua Pauldo, Sthefany Thomas, Jasmine Tate and Bryelle Smith. Wright (17.0 ppg), Paulido (15.7 ppg) and Thomas (15.0 ppg) are all averaging in double figures while Tate has a matching 9.7 number in points and rebounds. Smith, who is averaging a team-high 34 minutes, is leading with 19 assists.
“Clemson is a talented team without question,” commented Tilley. “We’ll have to play very well to be competitive, which we have done in out two prior meetings. We have played two ACC teams so far, so we’ll see if that’s been a benefit.”
The Black and Gold have played well against Clemson, although they are still looking for their first win against the Lady Tigers. Sunday’s game will be the fourth meeting between the teams and the third at Clemson. Last season, the Lady Owls dropped a 75-69 decision at the KSU Convocation Center despite a game-high 18 points by Smith. In 2008, Clemson won, 78-65, at Littlejohn Coliseum.
Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. The game can be viewed through TigerCast or followed on Gametracker at www.clemsontigers.com.
