By JEREMY COWEN
Avalanche-Journal

The Texas Tech women's basketball team was responsible for more than $30,000 donated to the American Cancer Society this past season.

The Lady Raiders, along with the men's team, participated in a Coaches Versus Cancer program where fans donated money to the American Cancer Society for every 3-point shot the team made. Combined, the teams garnered $41,000, with ACS officials saying more than $30,000 came from the women's team alone.

"They are just a tremendous asset," ACS executive director Cathy Winn said of the Lady Raiders' help. "They have such a strong following of fans, and then they turn that support toward helping the American Cancer Society. It's just a win- win situation for both of us."

The $30,000-plus (exact figures for donations from the women's team were not available) is one of the highest amounts ever garnered by the Tech program. The 1998-99 team, with three of the top six 3-point shooters in Tech history in Rene Hanebutt, Melinda Schmucker-Pharies and Julie Lake, helped raise Tech's largest fund-raiser for the ACS with 175 3-point shots. The Lady Raiders hit 128 this season.

However, Winn said the amount of money pledged per 3-point shot made this season was "significantly higher" than in previous seasons.

Money from the Coaches versus Cancer goes to national research, including a researcher in Lubbock, cancer education and early detection. A small percentage, around five percent, goes to training members of the American Cancer Society.

Jeremy Cowen can be contacted at 766-8736 or jcowen@lubbockonline.com