HUNTINGTON, W.VA.- Junior guard Sam Ramirez drilled a jumper with 16 seconds left, increasing ASU's lead to five points and helping Appalachian State University women's basketball earn its first season-opening win on the road since the 2001-02 season, defeating Marshall 63-58 Friday evening at the Cam Henderson Center.
Tania Walters drained a three-pointer to pull Marshall within its narrowest margin of the night at the 5 point mark as the Thundering Herd tried to stage comeback in the final minutes of action. Fortunately for the Black and Gold, Ramirez continued with her hot-shooting, scoring her 23rd point of the evening and tying her career-high.
Freshman Anna Freeman came up big as well, recording the team's 10th block of the night, tying a team single-season block record set back in 2005, as she swatted an Alaya Mitchell three point attempt to ensure that Marshall's late rally would come up short.
The Mountaineers started the game on fire, going up 16-3 off of six Ramirez points, with freshman Ashlen Dewart chipping in five of her own.
Seven points by Ramirez in the waning minutes of first half action and a made free throw by Courtney Freeman gave the Black and Gold a 31-19 advantage heading into the break.
Poor shooting hindered the Thundering Herd, as they shot a dismal 12.9 percent during the first half.
Marshall picked up its play during second half action, with Alyssa Hammond scoring two free throws and Chantelle Handy hitting a jumper to pull MU within 10 points at the 17 minute mark.
Despite Marshall's effort, sophomore guard Chakeitha Weldon came alive for the Apps, scoring seven straight points for Appalachian to help ASU keep a 14 point cushion.
A late 9-2 Marshall run pulled the Thundering Herd within seven points, making the score 55-48 within a little under five minutes to play.
ASU however was able to stave off Marshall and capture the thrilling five point victory.
Along with Ramirez, Weldon scored a career-high 14 points to go along with a team-high six assists.
As for Marshall, Hammond and Rashedah Henriques both scored in double-figures with Hammond tallying 15 and Henriques 11.
Appalachian now moves to 18-22 all-time in season-openers, notching its first season-opening win since 2006-07 when defeating Central Florida in the Holmes Center. Continuing with the two team's rivalry, now 24 of the squad's 40 meetings have been decided by a single digit margin.
The Black and Gold look to carry their momentum into their next contest, as they take on in-state foe Charlotte, Friday November 20 in the Holmes Center for their home-opener of the 2009-10 campaign, with the tip slated for 7 p.m.
