Temple University Athletics
Women's Basketball Picked to Finish Second in 2006-07 Atlantic 10 Season
10.25.06 | Women's Basketball
Oct. 25, 2006
Philadelphia -
Temple has been picked to finish second in the Atlantic 10 women's basketball race, according to a poll conducted by the A-10 head coaches and select media. Senior captain Kamesha Hairston was selected to the Conference's Preseason First Team as well as the All-Defensive Team for the second straight season.
Three-time defending A-10 champion Temple, under the direction of seventh-year head coach Dawn Staley, received two first-place votes but placed second in the preseason poll after finishing 24-8 overall. The Owls return two starters to the floor, including Hairston and junior center Lady Comfort. Comfort (7.4 ppg) returns as the team's leading rebounder wth 6.2 boards per game.
Hairston finished second on the squad in scoring, averaging 12.8 ppg and 6.1 rpg. She led the team and was third in the A-10 in steals, averaging 2.13 spg. A 2005-06 All-Atlantic 10 and All-defensive team selection, Hairston had 24 double-figure scoring games and four double-doubles on the season. She also led Temple at the charity stripe, shooting 80% from the free throw line. Hairston blocked 26 shots and dished 56 assists.
Staley has packed her schedule with four ACC teams, including defending national champion Maryland, who will visit the Liacouras Center on December 10, as well as Florida and Rutgers. Temple will also compete against Philadelphia rivals Drexel, Villanova and Penn. The Owls begin Atlantic 10 play on January 9, when they host the Saint Joseph's Hawks.
