CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Buccaneers defeated the Cavaliers of Montreat College in their first exhibition of the season at a score of 87-57. From the opening tip the Charleston Southern Buccaneers were in control of this afternoon's exhibition. The Bucs opened the game with a 10-0 run and never looked back.

Leading the Bucs of Charleston Southern was senior guard Kelsey Wasmer who had 24 points in just 26 minutes of action, shooting 10 of 17 from the field. She also added eight rebounds for the Bucs.

"It felt great. It was just one of those nights I guess. I have to give all the credit to my teammates for setting me up for quality shots," said Wasmer.

Kiki Rutledge also had a nice showing in her return to the hardwood after missing last season with an injury. Rutledge added 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field.

Incessant ball pressure by CSU's defenders forced turnovers and created fast break opportunities for the Buccaneers. The Bucs forced 30 turnovers on the day from the Cavs. CSU's size and strength advantage at guard bothered the Cavaliers of Montreat College on the perimeter.

The Buccaneer newcomers all played considerable minutes in the exhibition and all contributed to the Buccaneer win. Both Kirklin Kirkpatrick and Erin Bratcher hit on their first attempts from three-point land for the Buccaneers.

Today's dominant performance by the Bucs should serve as a good tune up for the Buccaneers going into the regular season. Montreat is certainly a talented NAIA opponent as they had a record of 20-10 last season.

When asked about her team's performance on the day CSU Head Coach responded by saying:

"Today's game was a very good measuring stick for us. I was very pleased with our effort, both offensively and defensively in the first half. Sometimes when you come out and get a big lead like that, it is hard come out and sustain that kind of energy and effort throughout the game. That's something that we need to learn as a team. To just ignore the score sometimes and just play."

Chaecie Bullock added 15 points in a losing effort for the Cavaliers of Montreat. Bullock went 4-of-11 from behind the three-point line.

"Overall, I was pleased with the effort. Today's game really revealed some things that we need to work on in practice in preparation for our season opener against Erskine next week," said Coach Goodenough.

The Buccaneers will take the court in their regular season opener against the Erskine Flying Fleet on Saturday Nov. 13. Tip off is scheduled for 8 p.m. at Buccaneer Field House.