UC to Hold Women's Basketball 500th Win Ceremony

Jan. 25, 2007

CINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati will celebrate the 500th win of its women's basketball program on Saturday during the Bearcats' BIG EAST game vs. No. 18/17 Marquette. Tip off is 2 p.m. at Fifth Third Arena.

The Bearcats got their 500th victory on Dec. 3, 2005, an 82-48 win over Eastern Illinois. UC, in its 36th season now, has amassed 525 victories.

Several former coaches and players will be on hand to commemorate the landmark victory. Prior to tip off, all former UC head coaches, as well as current coach Laurie Pirtle, will be honored for their part in the program's milestone win. The UC women's basketball program has had six head coaches in its 36-year history. Four will be present for the ceremony - Mary Jo Huismann (1971-74), Tom Thacker (1974-78), Sandy Smith (1983-86) and Laurie Pirtle (1986-present).

UC will also honor the first team to advance to the NWIT (1980-81) and NCAA (1988-89), plus honor the 2001-02 team that owns the school's best winning percentage (27-5) and was crowned Conference USA Champions.

Women's basketball all-Americans, as well as women's basketball members of the James P. Kelly University of Cincinnati Athletic Hall of Fame, will also be honored.

Following the game there will be a reception on the fifth floor of the UCATS club.