THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, February 24, 1995 TAG: 9502240706
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ED MILLER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. LENGTH: Short : 39 lines
There was no doubt that the Spartanettes were the best team in the CIAA last season, but you wouldn't have known it by their performance in the conference tournament.
Norfolk State rolled through its conference schedule and ultimately advanced to the Division II Elite Eight, but they were bounced out of the CIAA tournament in the semifinals by Hampton.
As Norfolk State heads into the semifinals again today, at 2 p.m. against Virginia State, last season's early exit could provide a little extra motivation, coach James Sweat says.
``Last year might help us with what we're trying to do this year,'' Sweat said.
The Spartanettes are trying to win their fourth CIAA tournament in five years. They had won three in a row before losing to Hampton last season.
Norfolk State opened tournament play Tuesday by beating Hampton, 89-51, behind 18 points from CIAA player of the year Kristi Greene. Now they face a Virginia State team they've handled easily twice this year.
``We beat them by 30 twice, but that doesn't mean a thing,'' Sweat said. ``This tournament is a second season.''
A lesson the Spartanettes learned last year. ILLUSTRATION: Chart
1995 CIAA WOMEN'S TOURNAMENT
Chart by BILL MOORE
[For a copy of the chart, see microfilm for this date.]
by CNB