Nov. 21, 2002

ABILENE, Texas - Hardin-Simmons women's basketball team will open the Shanna Briggs era on Friday when it hosts Southwestern University in the opening round of the Cowgirl Classic at 7:30 p.m. at HSU's Mabee Complex.

Briggs, who replaced Julie Goodenough in May, will coach her first game as the Cowgirl coach, but it will not be her first game at HSU. She starred four years for the Cowgirls from 1991-95.

HSU is ranked No. 5 in the Women's Basketball Coaches Association's preseason poll. The Cowgirls return four starters from a team that went 26-2 a year ago and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16.

They are led by preseason national player of the year Kendra Anderson. The senior forward averaged 16.9 points and 9.8 rebounds a year ago. She will be joined in the starting lineup by senior center Laura Ricci and junior forward Lauren Harris.

The backcourt will consist of sophomore Diana Martinez at the point and senior KraTaura Buckner at the two guard.

Southwestern was 10-15 a year ago and the Cowgirls won the meeting between the two 76-57 in Georgetown last season.

Trinity University and Mary Hardin-Baylor will open the classic with a 5:30 game. HSU will host Trinity on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and UMHB will host Southwestern at 4:30 p.m. The games will be the first of the season for all four teams.