University of Arkansas Monticello - Boll Weevil Yearbook (Monticello, AR)

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LAVENDER’S REIGN ENDS Women’s athletics at UAM have risen to the epitome of success since its existence in the AWISA in 1973. There is a myriad of reasons, but heading the top of the list is the women’s basket- ball coach, Mary Jane Lavender, who resigned at the end of a phenomenal six-year tenure. A surprise to many, Lavender’s resignation stemmed from a desire to earn her doctorate. This desire to achieve her goals has been preva- lent in her coaching as well. She has brought the women’s basketball program at UAM to local, state and national attention in six years, including an 111-41 record with two conference titles and one state championship. Success has only enhanced Lavender's pro- gram. With large fan support, the Cotton Blos- soms have compiled a home record of 46-2. The team never finished below second place in the AWISA. Lavender credits her remarkable record to the abundance of exceptional players. However, guid- ing the squad to post-season play each of the six years leaves much of the responsibility of success on the coach's shoulders. Of the six years, the 1977-78 season prevailed as the highlight. The team started slow, but closed with 13 consecutive wins and a spot in the regional finals as well as a berth in the national AIAW tourney. The Cotton Blossoms finished as the seventh best in the nation of small colleges. Lavender and UAM hoped to return to the na- tional limelight in the '78-79 season with all five returning starters, but it was not to be. That dream vanished in the quarterfinals of the region- al. Mary Jane Lavender has brought nothing but success to women’s athletics at UAM. She has laid the groundwork for a powerhouse, if it can only be followed. Anita McChristian pivots to Camille Clay struggles to retain a ball. avoid an opponent. 180 Athletics

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Camille Clay amidst a tussle. Pogo Griffin shoots for two. Blossoms from 12th to seventh in the poll and also assured them of the top seed in the state playoffs at Jonesboro. The squad prepped for the tournament with a closing 87-60 victory over Arkansas College. It was the last home appearance for sen- iors McChristian, Pogo Griffin and Barbara Seymour. The Blossoms downed Southern Arkansas for the third time in their first game of the state tourney, but then dropped a hard-fought 62-60 decision to ASU in the finals. UAM still qualified for the regionals in Fort Worth, TX. UAM disposed of Oklahoma Chris- tian College in its first game as five players finished in double figures. The Cotton Blossoms controlled the tempo in the first half against Texas Wesleyan, but the Texans rallied in the second half as Walker fouled out with 1:17 left. Free throws provided the five-point difference in the final minute. Monticello went on to finish sev- enth in the meet, posting another win over SAU and losing again to ASU in the consolation bracket. It was not the finish the women had hoped for at the start of the year, but it certainly wasn’t disappointing and the team had nothing to be ashamed of. Dena Dennis ties up a Tech opponent. Athletics 179

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Kathy Tacito shoots over out reached hands. Cotton Blossoms take a breather. HONORS AWARDED Post-season honors are nothing new to Anita McChristian and Gwen Walker. The two were once again selected to the AIl-AWISA first team. McChristian was chosen for the fourth time, averaging 11.7 points a game. Her 1,513 total points are second on the all-time list. Walker dominated scoring and rebounding once again in the AWISA, averaging 24.7 points and 12.9 rebounds. As a junior, she’s already the career high scorer with 1,762 points. Vivian James, a freshman, was also named to the AWISA second team after serving as a spot start- er and sixth player. Four happy seniors say farewell. Pogo Griffin looks up court. Athletics 181