The University of Southern Indiana women's basketball team opens its 2003-04 regular season Saturday, November 15, when Pittsburg State University comes to the Physical Activities Center for a 1 p.m. start.

USI shot 59.6 percent from the field in a 90-74 exhibition win over the St. Louis Goldstars last Friday. It was the highest shooting percentage the Screaming Eagles recorded since they shot 60.9 percent from the field against Saint Joseph's College on January 11, 1997.

Senior forward Shajuan Lindsey (Midlothian, Illinois) and sophomore forward Ashley Green (Otterbein, Indiana) led USI's charge. Lindsey scored a team-high 16 points, while Green dropped in 12 points and grabbed a game-high nine rebounds.

The Eagles also saw production from their backcourt as senior guard/forward Shannon Wells (Merrillville, Indiana) and freshman guard Leah Stormont (Haubstadt, Indiana) each poured in 10 points. Junior guard Kennitra Johnson (New Albany, Indiana) had nine points and six assists in the victory.

Pittsburg State enters the PAC for its season-opener after posting a 15-13 mark in 2002-03. The Gorillas return four starters from last season's squad and are picked to finish fifth in the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

Leading the Gorillas' returnees is junior Kami Scrivner, a two-time All-MIAA performer. The 5'10" forward is PSU's leading returning scorer after averaging 13 points per game in 2002-03.

USI will continue its home schedule Monday, November 17, when it hosts 2003 NCAA II Tournament participant Hillsdale College. Game time is slated for a 7 p.m. start at the PAC.

Hillsdale is coming off a 2002-03 campaign in which the Chargers posted a 23-6 overall record and a 14-3 record in the GLIAC. The Chargers, however, are facing a tough challenge in 2003-04 as they must replace all five starters from last season's squad.