Nov. 27, 1999

NKU OPENS SEASON WITH WIN OVER UNION

Cowens scores 21 points as Norse defeat Union

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Junior center Julie Cowens scored 21 points Saturday afternoon as the Northern Kentucky University women’s basketball team defeated Union (Ky.) College, 104-41, in Regents Hall.

Cowens, a transfer from Urbana (Ohio) University, made 10 of 15 shots from the field as NKU opened the 1999-2000 campaign with a victory. NKU posted a 30-3 record last season and is ranked No. 5 nationally in this year’s NCAA Division II preseason poll.

Sophomore forward Michelle Cottrell scored 19 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and had four steals, and junior guard Michele Tuchfarber added 20 points and four steals. Junior guard Heather Livingstone made her debut with the Norse and added 14 points and nine assists.

NKU limited Union (2-4) to just 29.2 percent shooting from the field, and the Norse won the rebounding battle by a 43-32 margin. Union also committed 38 turnovers.

NKU will open up its Great Lakes Valley Conference schedule this Thursday night at 6:15 p.m. with a game at Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill.