Women`s basketball coach Doug Bruno expressed concern early in the season that people weren`t giving versatile junior Rita Hale the recognition she deserved. Hale`s getting the attention now.
As the Blue Demons (6-4) prepare to open Great Midwest Conference play at Marquette on Tuesday night and then host defending NCAA champ Tennessee on Friday night, Hale has clearly emerged as team leader.
Hale, a 5-foot-9-inch forward from Marshall High, scored 30 points and also played excellent defense as the Demons climbed above .500 by beating archrival Northern Illinois. Her defense and her team-leading 15 points played major roles in Saturday`s 58-55 victory at Loyola.
Going into Tuesday game at Marquette, Hale leads De Paul scorers with an average of 13.6 points per game. Next are Stella Woodley and freshman Megan Lucid, tied at 10.5.
Two Lady Blue Demons lead categories in Great Midwest non-conference games. Point guard Tammy Williams leads playmakers with an average of 6.4 assists. And 6-5 sophomore Cathy Pezdirtz, who could develop into a force in the new conference, leads shot-blockers with 2.6.
