March 10, 2006
#2 Wingate downs #7 USC Upstate behind Edwards’ 17 points
 RALEIGH – Kate Edwards picked the right time to step up for Wingate.
Edwards, a sophomore guard, came off the bench to score a team-high 17 points in Wingate’s 67-59 victory over USC Upstate in the first round of the NCAA women’s Division II South Atlantic Regional at Shaw University. The Lady Bulldogs (24-6), seeded second in the regional, advanced to play Clayton State in Saturday’s semifinals at Spaulding Gym while No. 7 seed USC Upstate finished its season at 16-14 overall.

Edwards averages 5.4 points but she caught fire against the Lady Spartans. She scored 11 first-half points to spark Wingate to a 38-24 halftime lead. The margin grew as high as 19 points before the Lady Spartans chopped the lead to 61-52 with under four minutes left but Edwards drilled back-to-back three-pointers to help seal the win. Edwards finished the game making five of 11 three-pointers.

“It seemed like everytime we got close, [Edwards] would hit a three,” USC Upstate coach Tammy George said.

Edwards scored in double figures in six other games this season before Friday. The last time Edwards scored in double figures was Feb. 11 against Newberry when she dropped 20 points in a victory. Wingate coach Johnny Jacumin knew Edwards was capable of a big game.

“When it comes to tournament play, it is my experience that someone steps up other than your leading scorers,” Jacumin said. “Today, Kate Edwards was that kid. What an accomplishment for a kid who plays hard.”

Tanetra Barrett added 11 points and eight rebounds, and Shannon Proffit grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds for Wingate. Yakeeshia Ross led USC Upstate with 19 points and 14 rebounds, and Lele Miles also recorded a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds.

Wingate defeated USC Upstate for the second time this season, winning the first meeting 97-73 in November 2005.