Dawn Baker and Robin Rudedge turned in career-high scoring efforts as the Dons beat California last Sunday to claim third place in The University of Hawaii Wahine Classic. Baker scored 20 points, and Rutledge added 15 as USF beat Cal for the first time in 12 years, and were 2-1 in the tournament. After beating George Mason in the first game and losing to Arkansas in the second, the Dons came out strong making 61% of their shots en route to a 46-27 halftime lead. USF shot out to a 9-4 lead to start the game, before reeling off 14 unanswered points, starting with three 3-pointers in a row by Jamie Shadian, Wendy Jo Phelps, and Rutledge. "We played two excellent games this weekend, and we were not ready to face a team like Arkansas, but that's a game we'll learn from," said Co-Head coach Bill Nepfel. "So many different players have contributed thus far."
With all five starters among the seven players returning next year, including Freshman-of-the-Year Brittany Lindhe and All-WCC Player Valerie Gillon, the Dons look to be the team to beat. Even though the Dons will lose three seniors from this year's squad - forward Donna Spragan, and guards Robin Rutledge and Wanda Sequeria — they already have letters of intent from four players and are looking for one more (TheFoghorn).
A native of Willits, CA, Robin Rutledge was a 5' 4" guard who attended Willits High School. She graduated in 1995.
