Falcon women hoopsters defeat Orediggers, 64-53 Published Nov. 8, 2004 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFPN) -- Alecia Steele notched 12 points and 12 rebounds in her collegiate debut to spark the Air Force Academy’s women’s basketball team to a 64-53 exhibition victory over Colorado School of Mines here Nov. 5. The pre-season game against the Orediggers was the first for the Falcons.The Falcons came out eager in the first half, paced by Jacki Novak, who was a perfect 6-of-6 in the opening period. Air Force led by as many as eight points early on, but the Orediggers were able to tie the score with just 37 seconds remaining in the period. Letricia Castillo then hit a shot from beyond the arc to give the Falcons a 3-point cushion going into the halftime.Mines’ Kim Kilmer scored four consecutive points to start the second half, giving the Orediggers their first lead of the game. The Falcons responded with an 11-0 run, but the Orediggers came back to cut the margin to 42-40 with 8:53 on the clock. Another Air Force run pushed its lead to as many as 16, as the Falcons were able to hold on for the 64-53 win.Several freshmen made significant contributions in their first game for the Falcons. In addition to her double-double, Steele also had a game-high five steals. Rookie point guard Lauren Henderson dished out six assists to go along with her 6 points, three rebounds and two steals, while center Ellen Jaeschke grabbed five rebounds and recorded three blocked shots.Air Force’s scoring attack was fairly balanced, as seven players scored at least 6 points. Steele and Novak, who played primarily in just the first half, paced the team with 12 points each. The Falcons play here again Nov. 11 when they face Metropolitan State College of Denver in their final exhibition game of the season.