Braxton makes impact in her Mason debut

FAIRFAX—When Ashleigh Braxton announced in 2008 that she was transferring to George Mason University from the University of Pittsburgh, women's basketball coach Jeri Porter knew the Patriots would be getting a scoring threat for the 2009-10 season.

Braxton wasted little time in proving Porter right.

In her first career start in GMU green and gold, Braxton scored a game-high 16 points as Mason defeated Norfolk State 66-49 in Friday night's season opener, the first time the Mason women have won their initial game of the year since 2005.

The former Forest Park star even hit the first shot of the night—one of her four 3-pointers in the game—and added two salvos to open the second half, leading the Patriots on an 11-0 run to start the period.

"That's how you always want to start off, especially as a shooter," Braxton said. "I think, outside of my game, that's how you want to start the season: With a win and a good one."

"She gave us tonight exactly what we expected from her," Porter said. "She's a shooter. It doesn't take them much to get them in their rhythm. She hit some big shots for us at key moments."

Braxton sat out last year in accordance with NCAA transfer rules and she dealt with a back injury during that time as well.

"She had a little bit of trouble with her back and she's still doing some treatment in the training room before practices," Porter said. "But she's a warrior. We're not going to be able to keep her off the floor."

Any concerns that Braxton would have a slow start after a year away or as a result of lingering injuries quickly dissipated when she hit the first shot just eight seconds into the game.

"I definitely got off to a nice shot there," Braxton said. "In the second half we wanted to focus on not letting up, coming out strong and attacking right away and attacking for 20 minutes."

The redshirt junior credited her teammates for freeing her up with screens and crisp passes and Braxton made 6 of 8 field goals, including 4 of 6 from behind the 3-point line. She also added a team-best four assists in 28 minutes.

Porter said Braxton will be counted on for more than just her offensive skills, though.

"She's a leader. She's played at a higher level than even this before," the Patriots' second-year coach said. "She's somebody who really brings a calming effect [to the team]. She understands what we want from her and from everybody else."

"I wasn't nervous," said Braxton, who also grabbed five rebounds. "I never really get nervous. I was excited.

"It's been a long year, a long wait for this so for me personally, this is how I wanted to come out. I love this game and I couldn't imagine my first night any other way."

Staff writer Joe Conroy may be reached at 703-878-8047.