The Red and Black

Issue date: 2/23/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: KELLY WEGEL Senior guard Cori Chambers

Media Credit: KELLY WEGEL Senior guard Janese Hardrick

As the Lady Dogs close out yet another regular season on Sunday, the heralded basketball program will begin its farewells to another pair of outstanding seniors.

This year's graduating class consists of guards Cori Chambers and Janese Hardrick, both of whom have left indelible marks on the program.

"They've been solid since they got here," Georgia coach Andy Landers said of his two seniors. "They've been major contributors in everything that has transpired in the last four years."

Chambers will leave Athens as the Lady Dogs' career leader in 3-pointers.

Both Chambers and Hardrick have etched their names into Georgia's list of top-25 career scorers.

Neither expected such prolific careers.

"I never even thought about it," said Chambers, who is averaging 12.9 points per game this season after being named a preseason All-American.

"I imagined coming here and playing and being a role player and that's it," said Hardrick, who has tallied 9.3 points and 3.4 assists per game in her senior campaign.

"It wasn't a goal of mine to make 1000 points, and when I did come to it, I was excited but I didn't come in thinking that."

Sunday will be the last game for Hardrick and Chambers at Stegeman Coliseum, a building that has helped them create memories.

"I can remember the first game I ever played here, my first shot even," said Chambers, pointing to the right wing beyond the three-point line.

"It's just bittersweet. The past four years have flown by."

Reflecting on years past, both Chambers and Hardrick had simple but meaningful words for their younger teammates.

"Just work hard all the time," said Chambers, who has a business degree but hopes to continue playing basketball after graduation. "That's all coach wants you to do is work hard and do the best you can."

"Just play hard play hard and enjoy yourself," Hardrick added.

The Lady Dogs' (23-5, 10-3) final regular season tune-up will come against Arkansas (18-11, 3-10 SEC). Georgia has dominated the all-time series 19-3.

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