Hope, McFarland lead OM past UWG

Throughout the preseason Ole Miss’ Valencia McFarland dominated news involving the Lady Rebels’ newcomers.

In Ole Miss’ exhibition opener against West Georgia at the C.M. “Tad” Smith Coliseum on Thursday night, it was fellow freshman Pa’Sonna Hope, that stole the show. The Cleveland, Ohio, native recorded game-highs of 20 points and 10 rebounds as Ole Miss routed the Wolves 86-36. (November 5, 2010, Page 6A)

Young Lady Rebs get first test tonight

It will be interesting to see how long Valencia McFarland remains all smiles.

If all goes as head coach Renee Ladner hopes it will, her star freshman guard’s smile won’t wear off any time soon.

During a media opportunity on Wednesday, both Ladner and senior Kayla Melson said they’re curious to see how this young Lady Rebels squad meshes for the first time when they play West Georgia in an exhibition game tonight at 7 at the C.M. “Tad” Smith Coliseum. (November 4, 2010, Page 7)

OM’s Byrd, Melson taking leadership roles

More often than not last season Kayla Melson would at some point during each game crash into something, whether it was the goal standard, the scorer’s table or the sideline chairs.

That’s just how Melson plays the game for the Ole Miss women’s basketball team: It’s all or nothing and she’s never been one to shy away from contact if it meant making a play.

It’s that type of hustle that has made her a natural leader.

This year, Melson will take over a larger role on the team as one of only two players with extensive playing experience.

And with that expanded role comes more responsibility that head coach Renee Ladner believes is more than deserved. (October 20, 2010, Page 8)

OM hoping McFarland hits the court running

To say Ole Miss will be relying on youth and inexperience this season may be one of the greatest understatements of the Lady Rebels’ preseason.

Gone from Ole Miss’ 17-15 women’s hoops squad from a year ago are All-Southeastern Conference guard Bianca Thomas, 3-point sniper Elizabeth Robertson, starting center Katorra Lewis and offensive guard Shantell Black.

What does that mean for the Lady Rebels and head coach Renee Ladner in her third year at the helm of the program?
A lot of opportunities for playing time are up for grabs. (October 8, 2010, Page 7A)

Lady Rebels fall in SEC Tournament

A day after Ole Miss outlasted South Carolina in the first round of the Southeastern Conference women’s tournament, the Lady Rebels were eliminated by No. 1 seed Tennessee 76-51 at the Gwinett Center in Duluth, Ga., Friday afternoon.

(more…) (March 5, 2010)

Lady Rebels face USC in tourney’s first round

OLE MISS WOMEN’S HOOPS — Ole Miss will get a chance to begin anew tomorrow when it opens its potential run in the Southeastern Conference Women’s Tournament against South Carolina. Tip is set for 11 a.m. CT. (March 3, 2010, Page 8)

Late rebound seals Ole Miss’ win

Make no mistake about it, the Ole Miss Lady Rebels are on the outside looking in as far as the NCAA Tournament is concerned. But thanks to an offensive rebound put in by Liz Robertson, the Lady Rebels were able to defeat Auburn 65-61 Thursday night at C.M. “Tad” Smith Coliseum. (February 26, 2010, Page 8A)

Rebs need emotional play tonight

OLE MISS WOMEN’S HOOPS — Kayla Melson has been the emotional leader all season for the Lady Rebels hoops squad. If Ole Miss is going to make a late-season push to get into the tournament, it’ll need Melson to continue to be a floor general. (February 18, 2010, Page 9)

Late shot lifts Lady Vols past Lady Rebels

Tennessee’s Angie Bjorklund hit a game-winning 3-pointer for the second straight year to defeat the Ole Miss Lady Rebels 61-58 Thursday night at C.M. “Tad” Smith Coliseum. The loss was devastating for the Lady Rebels, who had tied the game just seconds before Bjorklund’s shot. (February 12, 2010, Page Page 9A)

Lady Rebs’ comeback bid falls short

OLE MISS WOMEN’S HOOPS — The Ole Miss Lady Rebels fell short in a comeback effort against Florida at home on Sunday, losing to the Gators 67-64. Bianca Thomas led Ole Miss with 21 points. (February 1, 2010, Page 2B)