Tuesday, December 21, 1999

Stovall quits Virginia
basketball team

The former Iolani standout
was a preseason All-ACC
selection for the Cavaliers

Star-Bulletin staff

Erin Stovall, the former Iolani School star who was Hawaii's Ms. Basketball in 1997, has quit the University of Virginia basketball team, the Daily Progress of Charlottesville, Va., reported yesterday.

Stovall, a junior guard for the Cavaliers who was a third-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection last season, reportedly informed coach Debbie Ryan of her decision early last week.

"She doesn't want to play basketball at the moment," Ryan was quoted as saying.

Ryan said she had "no clue" whether Stovall will return to the team this season.

"Obviously, it hurts us," said Ryan. "We just have to close ranks. ... We're making progress (as a team). This doesn't help things."

The 5-foot-9 Stovall averaged 14.5 points per game last season and was Virginia's top returning scorer. A preseason All-ACC pick, she was expected to take on a heavier offensive load this year.

Stovall was averaging 13.8 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game for the Cavaliers (4-4).

"In a way, it was a surprise," Ryan said. "In a way, it wasn't. ... I know the decision is not the right one. But I don't know if playing basketball is the right thing for Erin right now, either."