By VIC DORR JR.
Times-Dispatch Staff Writer

Big numbers aren’t necessarily an indication of a big impact on a team.

Take, for example, University of Richmond women’s basketball player DeUnna Hendrix. The Spiders’ 5-9 wing guard is averaging but 3.8 points and 3.1 rebounds. But she has started 24 of 28 games for coach Michael Shafer’s still-congealing club.

Hendrix, the only senior on Richmond’s roster, “is starting for a reason,” Shafer said. “She’s our energizer. She’s our vocal leader. We’ve got (five) freshmen and a lot of quiet kids on this team, and (Hendrix) is our source of energy and enthusiasm.

“You can’t put a value on the importance of what she gives us—on the floor, yes, but also in the locker room. Her presence, her experience, her position as a vocal leader and a source of positive reinforcement—she’s been superb at all of that.”

Hendrix’ influence will be tested when the Spiders (6-7 in the Atlantic 10, 12-16) play host to Dayton tomorrow (Sunday) at 2 p.m. This Senior Day game is a contest the Spiders must win to avoid far down the seeding ladder for next weekend’s A-10 tournament in Cincinnati.

UR could have put itself in line for a No. 5 seed had it defeated St. Louis in Thursday night’s game in the Robins Center. But the Spiders, as is so often their habit when playing at home, struggled visibly and absorbed a 78-70 defeat. On that night, at least, Hendrix’ enthusiasm was not contagious. The defeat was Richmond’s 10th in 13 home games this season.

“I know we’re capable of playing hard and consistently because I’ve seen us do it,” Shafer said. “Now—if you’re asking if we can get this thing corrected” before the conference tournament convenes, “That’s a hard answer to give right now. With five freshmen, we might just have to play it out and see if we can grow and learn.”