Dec. 1, 2007

ANCHORAGE, AK- Alaska's women's basketball team opened the Glacier Classic tournament run the same way they began their North Star Invitational one: with a victory. The Nanooks got a career-high 20 points from Sarah Herrin, while three other Nanooks scored in double-figures on the way to a 71-67 win over Mesa State.

Alaska (2-1) led by as many as 12 in the second half, and though the Mavericks worked the deficit down to as little as two points with a late charge, the Nanooks held on to jump back above the .500 mark.

The story of the night, however, belonged to Herrin, who took home Player of the Game honors. The sophomore hit seven of her 11 shots from the field, including three shots from behind the arc. Herrin, who also contributed six rebounds, three assists and two steals, was a perfect 3-3 from the free throw line as well.

Alaska also got an impressive performance from Cristina Bruketta, who also hit three three-pointers on her way to 18 points. Sheena Brown and Joscelyn Shumate contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively, while Kari Reabold pulled down 7 boards.

Mesa State got a game-high 23 points from Kelsie Gourdin, who hit 10 field goals and pulled down nine boards, missing a double-double by just one rebound. Brittany Fowler was the only other Maverick in double-figures, scoring 10 points while shooting 4-15 from the floor.

Alaska concludes their stay at the Glacier Classic tomorrow, as they meet Chaminade in a 12:00 noon tip-off. The Silverswords (0-1) were blasted by hosts Anchorage in their first game of the season, losing out 98-31.