Mobile, Ala. - On the wings of a record setting night for senior Laurie Simon, the University of Mobile women's basketball team (21-11) defeated Belhaven College 64-60, to win the opening round of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference tournament held at the Alario Center, in New Orleans, LA.

Enjoying their biggest lead of the game, 41-24, at the half, the Rams nearly lost in a first round upset. With forty seconds remaining, the Belhaven College Blazers tied the score at 60.  A series of turnovers by the Rams were matched by the Blazers inability to hit crucial free throws down the stretch. Despite 16 turnovers in the second half, Mobile was able to hold on for the win.

“We just relaxed too much and was too careless with the ball,” Coach Algernon said. “We relaxed defensively and offensively and let them back into the game. In the last two minutes, we did what it took to get the job done. We got stops and executed under their pressure.”

The big story for the night was Laurie Simon's four 3-pointers which allowed her to set a new single season record with 65. The old record of 63, was set a decade ago by Monica Evetts. Simon, who led the Rams past Belhaven with 16 points, will have the opportunity to stretch that mark tomorrow night in the semi-finals.

The Rams were also led by Paula Dill (13 points, 4 steals, and 4 assists) and 2003 GCAC Freshman of the Year Crystal Coston (13 points, and 14 rebounds).

The Blazers were led by Nykesha Carter's 15 points and Mallory Ranfos' 13.