November 16, 2007 - There's a much different look to this year's Hillsdale College women's basketball team. But if one game is any indication, that look can still be pretty good.

The Chargers opened the 2007-08 season Friday afternoon, participating in the Shippensburg Tournament on the east side of Pennsylvania. Hillsdale cruised to a big first-half lead en route to a 66-55 win over West Virginia Weslyna. Hillsdale will play in the championship game of the tournament at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Junior forward Katie Cezat made a big splash in her season debut, recording career-highs in both points (26) and rebounds (nine) to lead Hillsdale's winning effort. Cezat shot 12-for-18 from the field, and helped out on the defensive end with three steals.

Hillsdale was able to shut down West Virginia Weslyan thanks to its quick and aggressive defense. The Chargers forced 23 turnovers and had eight steals as a team. Hillsdale shot 42 percent from the field, but grabbed an impressive 14 offensive rebounds in the contest.

Senior Julie Slot added 14 points, five rebounds and two steals to Hillsdale's win. Sophomores Janay Miller and Brooke Knight each scored seven.

Hillsdale held a 40-23 lead at halftime.

The Chargers graduated five starters and seven letterwinners from last year's team that finished 19-9. Knight and Slot are two players returning to the team with starting experience.