Yale beat Team Istrobanka Lokomotiva of Slovakia Sunday 74-62 in an exhibition game at the John J. Lee Amphitheater.

After the graduation of Meg Simpson ’02, head coach Amy Backus has looked to each player on the team to increase her rebounding production. Sunday night, the team responded by outrebounding Istrobanka 50-25, including a 23-2 advantage in offensive rebounds.

Tory Mauseth ’05 and Aubrey Smith ’04 each pulled down eight boards, and starting center Christina Phillips ’04 grabbed seven.

“Rebounding is definitely one of our main focuses, and hopefully I can make up for some of what we lost,” Phillips said prior to the game. “I know what it’s going to take with one season of playing a lot under my belt. I’m going to try to let it come to me, but I’m looking forward to helping however I can.”

Captain Maria Smear ’03 led the Bulldogs with 18 points on 7-11 shooting from the floor, including 4-7 from 3-point land. As a team, the Bulldogs hoisted 23 3-pointers, 13 more than their opponents, and converted on nine of the long-range shots.

The Bulldogs open the regular season Friday at the Vermont Tip-Off Tourney.

–Ben Feit

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