Nov. 8, 1999

? Coach Grentz' Postgame Audio
? Box Score

CHAMPAIGN, Illinois - The most anticipated women?s basketball season in University of Illinois history tipped off Monday night as the Illini hosted Viktorija, a club team from Lithuania, in an exhibition game. The Lithuanian team was no match for Illinois, who jumped to a 50-23 halftime lead and cruised to a 107-53 triumph.

The day included the successful return of Cindy Dallas, who missed all but three games in her medical redshirt season last year. The contest unveiled three heralded freshmen who didn?t seem intimidated by the Assembly Hall. Finally the familiar veteran faces of the 12th-ranked Illini team returned much to the delight of the 3,621 fans on hand.

Although wearing a brace for pre-caution following knee surgery in January, Dallas was aggressive underneath. Her night included 8 of 9 shooting from the floor, 6 of 8 makes from the free-throw line en route to a team-high 22 points and 9 rebounds.

Two other Illini, senior Susan Blauser and sophomore Allison Curtin, joined Dallas in the 20-point category with an even score of 20 points. The Illinois freshman guards, Shavonna Hunter and Kristi Faulkner, added 13 and 10 points, respectively while freshman forward Karen Hagberg made 7 of 10 free throws and scored 9 points.

As the score would indicate the game was never in doubt. Illinois dominated every statistical category, out-rebounding Viktorija, 61-29 while forcing 30 turnovers. The visitors shot just .284 from the floor.

Illinois hosts the first round of the pre-season WNIT in its regular season debut on Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. at Huff Hall.