Five players scoring in double figures as Southern Illinois University Edwardsville women's basketball triumphed in its season opener 88-76 over Illinois-Springfield at the Vadalabene Center.
         Tanya Guell (Plymouth, Wis.) led all scorers with 21 points. Amber Wisdom (Geneseo) added a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists. Wisdom also had eight rebounds.
         Freshman Julianne McMillen (Pana) scored 13 points in her career debut, including a perfect 5 for 5 from the field. Kristen Boss (Carrollton) and Sarah Schweers (Chatham) added 12 points each.
         The Cougars benefited from strong inside play and rebounding. SIUE outrebounded the Prairie Stars 47-36 and had 17 offensive rebounds.
         Illinois-Springfield did all it could to keep the game close, hitting 10 three-pointers. Vickie Williams hit five three-pointers and led the Prairie Stars offense with 15 points.
         SIUE's next action is Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21-22, at the Candlewood Suites Classic in Emporia, Kan. SIUE plays West Texas A&M at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Southeastern Oklahoma on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
                  -siue cougars-