FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Caty Huntington recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 steals for Northern Arizona women's basketball at the Rolle Activity Center on Saturday night.  The Lumberjacks defeated Western New Mexico, 83-52, in their season opening exhibition game.

"Tonight was a test and see someone that hasn't seen you in practice on a daily basis," said head coach Laurie Kelly.  "We did some good things and had some red flags we need to focus on over the next week to prepare for Arizona State.  This game is good for our confidence and I walk away knowing we are a more athletic deeper team than we have been in the past."

The Lumberjacks played inspired defense on Saturday forcing Western New Mexico into 39 turnovers.  Huntington led the way with a career-best 10 steals while her teammates combined for 13 more.  

"With the athleticism we have this year we are trying to focus on being a better pressure defensive team," Kelly said.  "We have more depth and can play with a new intensity for 40 minutes."

Sophomore Amy Patton put in a team-high 14 points while senior Jenna Galloway added 11 points rounding out the Lumberjacks' scorers in double figures.

NAU shot 43.6 percent for the game and limited Western New Mexico to 42.9 percent.  The Lumberjacks also outrebounded the Mustangs, 45-40.

The women open the 2010-11 regular season next week at Arizona State on Friday, Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m.  The team plays at Arizona the following Monday at 7 p.m.

DID YOU KNOW…The Northern Arizona University athletics department recorded its highest cumulative grade point average since 1997, recording a 3.16 GPA among its more than 300 student-athletes at the completion 2009 fall semester.