CHATTANOOGA, TENN. - The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga women's basketball team shook off a slow start to cruise to an 86-53 exhibition win over Lee University tonight in the McKenzie Arena.

Both teams struggled in the early part of the contest, combing to go 0-9 with eight turnovers in the first four minutes of the game.  Chattanooga finally got on the board with a steal and lay-in by senior Megan Rollins (Monteagle, Tenn.). 

The Lady Mocs pushed the lead to 7-0 before Lee finally broke the ice on the other side of the scoreboard. UTC freshman Michelle Davis (Cleveland, Tenn.) saved a ball under the Lady Flames' basket that went right to junior Brooke McKinnon. She scored one of the few easy baskets for Lee on the evening. 

Chattanooga went on a 14-0 run midway through the first period and pushed to a 32-18 halftime lead.  The Lady Mocs overcame a rough shooting first half - 1-11 from 3-pt. range and 38.5% from the floor - by forcing Lee into 12 first half turnovers.   

The Lady Mocs came out in the second half with a much better shooting touch, connecting on 55.9% of their attempts. 

Davis was very impressive in her debut, finishing with a game-high 19 points and seven boards off the bench.  She went 7-10 from the field and 5-6 from the foul line.  2009 Southern Conference Player of the Year Shanara Hollinquest (Sylacauga, Ala.) was one board shy of a double-double with 13 points on 5-9 shooting and 3-5 from the free throw line. 

Rollins added nine points, four boards and a team-high four steals.  Freshman Erin Helton (Cookeville, Tenn.) was also in double figures, hitting all five of her shots from the field to post 10 points.  Fellow freshman Kayla Christopher (Oliver Springs, Tenn.) had a solid outing with four points, nine boards, four assists and a pair of steals. 

The Lady Mocs open the regular season when they travel to East Tennessee State on Friday, Nov. 13 for a 7:00 p.m. (E.S.T.) tip-off.  UTC's first home game is against SEC foe Georgia on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 7:00 p.m. at the McKenzie Arena. 

Women's basketball season tickets are on sale now at the UTC Ticket Office by calling (423) 266-MOCS (6627) or online on GoMocs.com.  Lady Mocs season tickets start at $45 and mini season plans are also available.