was once again nationally televised. During the course of the season, Tech won the 200th game in the program’s history with a 94-53 victory over Oral Roberts in Ruston. Statistical Leaders: Pam Kelly, 20.3 ppg; Kelly, 9.1 rpg; Kim Mulkey, 5.6 apg. Honors: Kelly — Kodak AllAmerican, Wade Trophy; Angela Turner — Kodak AllAmerican; Janice Lawrence — Final Four MVP
The one-two combination of Janice Lawrence and Kim Mulkey returned for their senior seasons with hopes of reclaiming the national title. And after starting the season with 18 straight wins, including a 75-66 win over Southern California at the TAC, it looked like little could stop Barmore and Hogg’s team. Only two close losses against Memphis State and Old Dominion blemished Tech’s regular season mark and the Lady Techsters cruised through the first three rounds of the NCAA Tournament to advance to a sixth straight Final Four. However, for the second season in a row, Tech was knocked off by Southern California in the Final Four as the Lady Techsters ended the year 30-3. Statistical Leaders: Janice Lawrence, 21.3 ppg; Debra Rodman, 9.4 rpg; Kim Mulkey, 7.3 apg Honors: Lawrence — Kodak All-American, Wade Trophy, Louisiana MVP; Mulkey — Naismith Small POY, All-
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1985-86
A new era began in 1985-86 as Leon Barmore took over the sole reigns of the Lady Techsters after Sonja Hogg’s retirement. Barmore led a relatively young team - featuring only one senior - to a 25-4 regular season mark, including impressive road victories over Tennessee, Alabama and Oklahoma State. Tech was 13-1 on the season before freshman Nora Lewis, who was averaging 13.3 points and 7.1 rebounds, suffered a season-ending knee injury. The Lady Techsters entered the NCAA Tournament and promptly defeated Washington and Long Beach State before exiting with a 80-64 loss to Southern California in the third round. Tech ended the season with an impressive 27-5 mark, and Barmore claimed milestone victory No. 100 in a win over UCLA Jan. 4, 1986, in Ruston. Statistical Leaders: Tori Harrison, 16.3 ppg; Harrison, 7.7 rpg; Teresa Weatherspoon, 7.9 apg Honors: Harrison — All-Louisiana
1986-87
Entering the season, no one had higher expectations than Head Coach Leon Barmore. With the nucleus of the previous year’s team returning, everyone in Ruston, La., had their sights set on a return to the Final Four. Tech would not disappoint as the Lady Techsters posted a 26-2 regular season record including victories over Tennessee, Georgia and Old Dominion. The Lady Techsters entered the
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B A S K E T B A L L
1983-84
Statistical Leaders: Pam Gant, 23.6 ppg; Tori Harrison, 9.2 rpg; Teresa Weatherspoon, 7.2 apg; Honors: Gant — Kodak All-American, AllLouisiana
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Statistical Leaders: Janice Lawrence, 20.7 ppg; Debra Rodman, 10.7 rpg; Kim Mulkey, 7.0 apg Honors: Lawrence — Kodak All-American, State MVP; Lori Scott — All-Louisiana; Kim Mulkey — All-Louisiana
Although a number of impressive streaks ended, this was another exciting season of Lady Techster basketball. Tech opened the year with 18 straight wins, including a memorable 79-77 overtime victory over I-20 and Top 25 rival UL-Monroe in front of a Thomas Assembly Center record crowd of 8,975. Tech stumbled at the midway point, dropping three of five games, including a loss in the rematch against ULM. However, the Lady Techsters - in Hogg’s last season as coach - won seven straight games to end the regular season and gain momentum entering the NCAA Tournament. After two lopsided wins in the first two rounds, Tech and ULM faced off for a third time, with the Lady Indians prevailing 85-76. The loss prevented two streaks from continuing as Tech’s 29-4 mark ended a string of six straight years with 30 or more wins and it also prevented the Lady Techsters from earning a seventh straight Final Four. Tech did capture the 300th win in the program’s history with a 78-59 victory over Oral Roberts.
T E C H S T E R
The 1982-83 season brought with it much change for the Lady Techsters. Gone were three-time Kodak AllAmerican Pam Kelly and one-time All-American Angela Turner. Also, Leon Barmore was promoted to co-Head Coach before the start of the season. Probably the biggest change for the program was a new home as the 8,000seat Thomas Assembly Center opened, replacing old Memorial Gym. However, one thing did remain the same as the Lady Techsters kept rolling along, earning a fifth straight Final Four and a third straight title game appearance. The only thing that stood in the way of another perfect season was Southern California who defeated the Lady Techsters twice, in the home opener at the TAC (64-58) and in the national title game (69-67). Tech finished the season 31-2.
1984-85
L A D Y
1982-83
Louisiana; Pam Gant — All-Louisiana
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