Charlotte 49ers Women’s Basketball: Hailey’s 26 not enough to top Toledo in 76-66 loss

After an eight-day layoff, the Charlotte 49ers women’s basketball team opened play at the GSU Holiday and Hoops Tournament in Atlanta.  Day 1 wasn’t good to them, however, as a 26-point outburst by Jennifer Hailey wasn’t enough to help the Niners overcome Toledo in a 76-66 defeat.

Charlotte shot a decent 44.6% from the field in this one.  But they had a dismal afternoon from behind the arc (2-10) and were outrebounded 44-35.  Hailey, however, looked to will her squad to a win, tacking on nine boards to go along with a 10-18 shooting day.  Hillary Sigmon added 12, with six of those coming from deep (2-4 from three)–but Ny Hammonds and Jai Forney went a combined 0-6 from distance.  Despite a tough afternoon from beyond the arc, Forney did enjoy a solid performance–14 points on 7-13 shooting.  Amanda Dowe, normally counted on to get it done inside, was held to just 8 points (2-8) in 39 minutes but did pull down a game high 10 rebounds.

On the other end, the Niners had no answer for Yolanda Richardson.  The senior was nearly unstoppable, going 12-17 from the field for 24 points while adding 8 rebounds.  It offset an ugly 4-18 three-point shooting performance for the Rockets.

Up next for the Niners–Mississippi Valley State in the consolation game of the Holiday and Hoops Tournament, tomorrow afternoon at 2pm.