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Edinboro Wins PSAC Women's Basketball Championship

Sunday, March 9, 2014 11:29 AM

EDINBORO CLINCHES THIRD PSAC TITLE IN FOUR SEASONS
Courtesy of Edinboro Sports Information

Edinboro, Pa.– Head coach Stan Swank and his Edinboro women's basketball team will be able to hoist another championship banner this year. The Fighting Scots rode an outstanding performance from Tournament MVP Valerie Majewski to an 86-76 win over third-ranked Gannon on Sunday afternoon in the 2014 PSAC Championship game. It marked the third win this season for 25th-ranked Edinboro, now 24-5, over Gannon, and the eighth in the last nine meetings. The Lady Knights fall to 27-3.

Edinboro has now won three of the last four PSAC Championships, with titles in 2011 and 2012 interrupted by Bloomsburg's win a year ago. The Fighting Scots also claim the automatic bid to the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional set for next weekend and will head to the NCAA Tournament for the fourth straight year. Gannon was first in the Atlantic Region and Edinboro third at the start of the week.

Majewski was named the Most Valuable Player of the championships after scoring a career-high 33 points, tied for the sixth-highest single-game total in the PSAC playoffs. She added eight assists one day after tying the school record and breaking the PSAC playoff record for assists with 16 against West Chester on Saturday, along with five rebounds.

The junior guard scored 23 of her points in the second half, including 19 of the team's final 28 points. That coincided with the game-deciding run for Edinboro. Gannon cut the lead to 56-54 midway through the second half on Jen Papich's driving layup. The Fighting Scots followed with an 11-3 run that built the lead to 67-57 with 7 minutes, 6 seconds remaining.

Gannon had one last run in it, as Brittany Batts hit her lone three of the game and Papich scored on another layup to close the gap to 72-68 with 4:02 remaining. The Lady Knights still trailed by just four points at 80-76 with 44 seconds to play, but they would not score again.

Majewski made a pair of free throws, and following a pair of Gannon misses Lauren Hippo went to the line and made a pair. Majewski would come up with a steal and drop in two more free throws with eight seconds left for the final margin.

All told, the lead changed hands eight times and was tied on seven occasions. Gannon never led by more than two points, but trailed by just two at the half at 43-41. The Lady Knights shot a sizzling 64.3 percent (18 of 28) over the first twenty minutes, and Edinboro was almost as hot, hitting at a 58.1 percent (18 of 31).

Both teams shot extremely well from the floor. In fact, each made 32 of 58 shots, good for 55.2 percent. Edinboro sizzled from beyond the 3-point line, making 10 of 16 three's, while Gannon was 6 of 16. The Scots went 12 of 17 at the line, Gannon 6 of 10. The Lady Knights held a 32-26 advantage on the glass.

The real difference came on turnovers. Edinboro was guilty of five turnovers while forcing 12 Gannon miscues. It led to a 14-5 advantage in points off turnovers.

Majewski ended the day making 12 of 18 field goals, including 5 of 6 3-pointers, and was 4 of 6 from the line. She was one of four Fighting Scots in double figures. Laurel Lindsay had 16 points, eight assists and five rebounds, while Aignee' Freeland also scored 16 points, with 14 in the first half. Lindsay moved into eighth place in career assists (328). Hippo added 11 points.

Papich turned in an outstanding performance in defeat for Gannon. The senior forward had 23 points and 11 rebounds, along with three assists and a pair of blocks. Mollie Sebald added 16 points and Kelley Sundberg 11.

Edinboro will now await word this evening on the Atlantic Regional. The NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Selection Show will air tonight at 10:00 p.m. here. The tournament is set for March 14, 15 and 17.
 
Box Score
Gannon Story

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PSAC SEMIFINAL RECAP: GANNON AND EDINBORO TO PLAY FOR CROWN

Gannon Advances to League Title Game
 
Edinboro, Pa. – No. 3 Gannon defeated No. 14 Bloomsburg 57-51 on Saturday afternoon at McComb Fieldhouse on the campus of Edinboro University in the 2014 PSAC Women’s Basketball Semifinals.
 
The Lady Knights will now face Edinboro in the PSAC title game at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 9 at McComb Fieldhouse. Sunday’s title game marks back-to-back PSAC Championship game appearances for Gannon.
 
The Championship game will be broadcast live on PCN TV. Please click here to determine the channel designation of PCN-TV in your area.
 
Brittany Batts led Gannon with 18 points, while Jen Papich contributed 14. Senior Kelly Sundberg dished-out a game-high eight assists. Gannon shot 40% from the floor and held Bloomsburg to 32% from the field.
 
PSAC East Athlete of the Year Catherine Noack led the Huskies with 13 points.
 
Bloomsburg moves to 24-4 on the season, while Gannon improves to 27-2 overall. Gannon is 6-1 against Bloomsburg all-time, with its only loss to the Huskies coming in the 2013 PSAC Championship game.
 
Box Score
Bloomsburg Story
Gannon Story

 
Edinboro Advances to Championship Game
 
Edinboro, Pa. – No. 25 Edinboro handed West Chester a 104-82 loss in the 2014 PSAC Women’s Basketball Championship Semifinals on Saturday afternoon in McComb Fieldhouse.
 
Edinboro will now play Gannon for a third time this season in the PSAC Championship game at 1:00 p.m. in McComb Fieldhouse on Sunday, March 9. Edinboro defeated Gannon twice this season in regular season action, 75-72 and 69-57.
 
The Championship game will be broadcast live on PCN TV. Please click here to determine the channel designation of PCN-TV in your area.
 
Edinboro’s 104 points is tied for fifth all-time in PSAC Championship history, while Valerie Majewski’s 16 assists set a new PSAC Championship record and is tied for fifth all-time in the league. Her 16 helpers ties Edinboro alum and women’s basketball assistant coach Callie (Iorfido) Wheeler’s conference leader mark. Edinboro combined for 33 assists to set a new PSAC Championship record.
 
Majewski was one of five Fighting Scots in double-digits with 13 points, while Lauren Hippo had a career-high 29 points. Aignee Freeland notched 21 points as did Darche’ Jackson. Laurel Lindsay contributed 14 points. Edinboro shot at a 54.1% clip from the floor and forced 21 West Chester turnovers.
 
Edinboro leads the all-time series versus West Chester 15-6, and improves to 23-5 overall record on the year. West Chester caps the season with a 19-9 overall mark.
 
Box Score
Edinboro Story
West Chester Story

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PSAC SEMIFINAL PREVIEW

Edinboro, Pa. – Following the Quarterfinal round of the 2014 Women’s Basketball Championship, four teams remain to vie for the PSAC crown. Edinboro University will serve as the Final Four host.
 
At 1:00 p.m. in McComb Fieldhouse on Saturday, March 8, Bloomsburg and Gannon will tip-off in the first semifinal. Edinboro will face West Chester at 3:30 p.m. in the second semifinal on Saturday.
 
The Championship game will be broadcast live on PCN TV and will tip-off at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. Production is courtesy of California (Pa.). Please click here to determine the channel designation of PCN-TV in your area.

In addition to watching the game on television, fans can stream the game online. Click here for more information.

The PCN Mobile App is also available for download so fans can watch the game live via their mobile device. The app is available on the App Store and Play Store. After subscribing for a one day or yearly subscription to PCN on pcntv.com, the PCN Mobile App is then available for download and fans can have access to PCN anytime, anywhere.
 
Please see below for more information about each team competing for the league title this weekend.
 
 
2013-14 Team Rankings

	Bloomsburg	Edinboro	Gannon	West Chester
Scoring Offense	(3) 76.7	(5) 74.6	(4) 75.2	(1) 80.9
Scoring Defense	(3) 61.9	(6) 66.0	(1) 58.5	(14) 73.8
Scoring Margin	(2) 14.8	(3) 8.5	(1) 16.7	(5) 7.1
Field Goal %	(1) 46.2	(2) 45.3	(3) 45.1	(7) 42.0
3-Point %	(4) 36.3	(2) 37.6	(3) 36.5	(12) 29.9
Free Throw %	(1) 77.6	(10) 67.5	(7) 71.4	(14) 64.9
Field Goal % Defense	(5) 38.5	(10) 41.8	(3) 38.2	(8) 40.8
3-Point % Defense	(2) 27.9	(1) 26.4	(7) 32.0	(14) 33.9
Rebounding Margin	(10) 0.6	(12) 0.2	(1) 5.9	(6) 2.2
Blocked Shots	(4) 3.48	(13) 2.26	(5) 3.39	(3) 4.15
Steals	(4) 10.22	(6) 9.78	(12) 8.54	(1) 12.41
Turnover Margin	(4) 4.11	(3) 4.30	(5) 3.82	(2) 4.56
Turnovers Forced	(4) 21.6	(3) 18.5	(5) 19.2	(2) 22.5
Assist-Turnover Ratio	(3) 1.06	(1) 1.18	(2) 1.12	(6) 0.84
Assists	(1)           18.56	(3) 16.70	(2) 17.21	(4) 15.11

 
















BLOOMSBURG (24-3, 14-2 PSAC)
Game Notes
 
PSAC Tournament Titles: 2013, 1992
 
• No. 14 Bloomsburg is making its fourth straight appearance in the PSAC Final Four. • Entering the Final Four with 17 straight wins, the Huskies have the third-longest active winning streak in the nation.
• Catherine Noack and Brianna Dudeck are 96-21 over the past four years, good for the sixth-best winning percentage in all of Division II over that span. Bloomsburg has won 22-plus games including the outright PSAC East title in each of those seasons.
• Noack enters the weekend leading the nation in 3-point shooting and is on pace to break the all-time PSAC season record by shooting 49.4% (81-of-164) beyond the arc.
 
2013-14 Versus Gannon: Gannon defeated Bloomsburg 65-53 on December 21 at Bloomsburg
 
All-Time Versus Gannon: Gannon leads series 5-1
 
2013-14 Statistical Leaders
 

Points/Game
C. Noack	16.1
A. Sadowski	13.4
J. Ford	11.9
3-Pt FG
C. Noack	81
FT Pct (2m pg)
C. Noack	89.4
Rebounds/Game
A. Sadowski	5.8
J. Ford	5.1
Assists
J. Ford	99
Steals
J. Ford	47

 















EDINBORO (22-5, 15-1 PSAC)
Game Notes
 
PSAC Tournament Titles: 2012, 2011, 1990
 
• Edinboro is making its fourth-straight appearance in the PSAC Semifinals, and hosting the Final Four for the second time in three seasons.
• Since making its first PSAC Tournament appearance in 1989, the Fighting Scots have posted a 20-15 postseason record.
• PSAC West Athlete of the Year, Valerie Majewski, has scored in double-digits in all but three games this season.
 
2013-14 Versus West Chester: West Chester defeated Edinboro 76-73 on December 21 at West Chester
 
All-Time Versus West Chester: Edinboro leads series 14-6
 
2013-14 Statistical Leaders
 

Points/Game
V. Majewski	15.7
A. Freeland	13.9
L. Lindsay	12.4
3-Pt FG
V. Majewski	52
FT Pct (2m pg)
A. Freeland	79.4
Rebounds/Game
A. Freeland	9.1
L. Lindsay	5.0
Assists
L. Lindsay	117
Steals
V. Majewski	58

 















GANNON (26-2, 14-2 PSAC)
Game Notes
 
PSAC Tournament Titles: 2010
 
• The No. 3 Lady Knights’ 62-57 quarterfinal victory over California improved the team’s all-time record in the PSAC Tournament to 6-3.
• Since joining the PSAC in the 2008-09 season, Gannon is making its third PSAC Final Four appearance.
• Gannon ranks third in the USA Today Sports Division II Top 25 Coaches’ Poll,
spending the entire season among the top five.
• Junior Nettie Blake has scored double figures in 13 consecutive games dating back to January 11.
 
2013-14 Versus Bloomsburg: Gannon defeated Bloomsburg 65-53 on December 21 at Bloomsburg
 
All-Time Versus Bloomsburg: Gannon leads series 5-1
 
2013-14 Statistical Leaders
 

Points/Game
N. Blake	14.7
J. Papich	12.7
B. Batts	11.1
3-Pt FG
B. Batts	85
FT Pct (2m pg)
K. Sundberg	75.0
N. Blake	67.1
Rebounds/Game
N. Blake	8.1
J. Papich	6.1
Assists
K. Sundberg	143
Steals
J. Papich	45

 
















WEST CHESTER (19-8, 13-3 PSAC)
Game Notes
 
PSAC Tournament Titles: none
 
• West Chester has reached the PSAC Semifinals for the fifth time in the last seven years and the 13th time overall.
• West Chester is now 14-22 all-time in the PSAC Tournament.
• Dallas Ely moved past Patti Gruber and into third place on the school’s all-time single-season scoring list with 527 points. Brittany Sicinski scored her 400th point of the season in the Quarterfinals, marking the first time that West Chester has had two players score at least 400 points in the same season since Cecilia Rodden and Linda Vidovich did it in 1985-86.
 
2013-14 Versus Edinboro: West Chester defeated Edinboro 76-73 on December 21 at West Chester
 
All-Time Versus Edinboro: Edinboro leads series 14-6
 
2013-14 Statistical Leaders
 

Points/Game
D. Ely	19.5
B. Sicinski	15.1
K. Benovy	12.6
3-Pt FG
D. Ely	71
FT Pct (2m pg)
D. Ely	77.2
K. Benovy	70.9
Rebounds/Game
K. Benovy	6.8
A. Kuntz	6.6
Assists
B. Sicinski	103
Steals
J. Clark	73

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PSAC QUARTERFINALS

Gannon Gains Entry into Semifinals
 
Erie, Pa. – No. 2 Gannon defeated No. 3 California 62-57 at the Hammermill Center in Erie, Pa. on Tuesday night in the 2014 PSAC Women’s Basketball Quarterfinals.
 
Gannon will now face Bloomsburg in a rematch of the 2013 PSAC Championship game. The foes will square-off at McComb Fieldhouse on the campus of Final Four host Edinboro University on Saturday, March 8 at 1:00 p.m.
 
Nettie Blake led the Lady Knights with 15 points versus the Crimson Hawks, while Mollie Sebald went 6-of-7 from the line and contributed 13 points. Jen Papich scored 11 points and pulled-down a team-high nine rebounds.
 
Last season the Vulcans and Lady Knights met in the Quarterfinals, with Gannon stealing a 77-50 victory, before meeting again the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional finals. Gannon clinched the Regional title with a 50-47 win over California.
 
With the win the Lady Knights improve to 26-2 on the season, while California ends its season 18-9.
 
Box Score
California Story
Gannon Story
 

Edinboro Defeats IUP; Earns Hosting Rights
 
Edinboro, Pa. – No. 1 Edinboro cruised to a 79-60 victory over No. 4 IUP at McComb Fieldhouse in Edinboro, Pa. on Tuesday night in the 2014 PSAC Women’s Basketball Quarterfinals. The Fighting Scots have earned the right to host the PSAC Women’s Basketball Semifinals and Championship on March 8-9, as they are the highest remaining seed from the West Division.
 
Edinboro will play West Chester in the Semifinals at 3:30 p.m. at McComb Fieldhouse on Saturday, March 8.
 
The Fighting Scots shot over 55% collectively from the floor against IUP and was led in points by Valerie Majewski’s 21 points. Darche’ Jackson put-up 20 points, while Lauren Hippo notched 13. Majewski drained five 3-point shots against the Crimson Hawks, while Hippo hit four.
 
Edinboro has won ten straight against IUP and is making its fifth consecutive appearance in the PSAC Tournament.
 
With the win Edinboro moves to 22-5 on the season, while IUP falls to 18-10.
 
Box Score
IUP Story
Edinboro Story
 

West Chester Advances Past Kutztown
 
West Chester, Pa. – No. 2 West Chester handed No. 6 Kutztown an 86-74 loss at Hollinger Field House in West Chester, Pa. on Tuesday night in the 2014 PSAC Women’s Basketball Quarterfinals.
 
The Golden Rams will advance to the PSAC Semifinals and play Edinboro on Saturday, March 8 at McComb Fieldhouse. The Semifinals and Championship will be hosted by Edinboro University.
 
Brittany Sicinski tallied a game-high 23 points, while teammate Dallas Ely earned a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Ely dished-out six assists and swiped three steals.
 
West Chester is now 14-22 all-time in the PSAC Tournament with its first victory in postseason play since defeating Millersville in the 2012 opening round. A season ago, Kutztown defeated West Chester in First Round action 84-73.
 
The Golden Rams hold a 19-8 overall record heading into the semifinals, while Kutztown falls to 10-18 on the year.
 
 
Box Score
West Chester Story
Kutztown Story
 
 
Bloomsburg Downs East Stroudsburg
 
Bloomsburg, Pa. – Bloomsburg clinched a 76-51 victory over East Stroudsburg at Nelson Field House in Bloomsburg, Pa. on Tuesday night in the 2014 PSAC Women’s Basketball Quarterfinals.
 
Bloomsburg will now play Gannon in the PSAC Semifinals. The semifinal game will be a rematch of the 2013 PSAC Championship game. The Huskies will take on the Lady Knights in McComb Fieldhouse on the campus of Final Four host Edinboro University at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 8.
 
Jocelyn Ford led the Huskies with 19 points, while Catherine Noack contributed 16. Marla Simmons and Brianna Dudek pitched-in 11 points apiece in the win. Bloomsburg shot over 56% from the floor, and went 11-of-12 from the charity stripe.
 
Bloomsburg is the defending PSAC Women’s Basketball Champion after defeating Gannon 74-57 for the league title. The PSAC Quarterfinal victory marks the fourth straight for the Huskies.
 
Bloomsburg is now 24-3 overall in 2013-14, while East Stroudsburg ends its season 15-13.
 
Box Score
Bloomsburg Story
East Stroudsburg Story

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PSAC FIRST ROUND


PSAC First Round: Kutztown Upsets Shippensburg
 
Shippensburg, Pa. – No. 6 Kutztown defeated No. 3 Shippensburg 83-74 on Saturday afternoon at Heiges Field House in Shippensburg, Pa. in order to advance to the 2014 PSAC Women’s Basketball Quarterfinals.
 
The Golden Bears will play at No. 2 West Chester on Tuesday, March 4. The game is slated for 5:30 p.m. at Hollinger Field House.
 
Kutztown had three athletes score in double-digits led by Alyssa Bonenberger’s 14 points. Natalya Lee notched 11 points, while Jess Harvey contributed 10. Bonenberger completed a double-double with 13 rebounds.
 
Golden Bears’ Head Coach Janet Malouf earned her 300^th career win with the victory over Shippensburg.
 
Shippensburg caps its season with a 17-9 overall record, while Kutztown improves to 10-17.
 
Box Score
Kutztown Story
Shippensburg Story

 
PSAC First Round: East Stroudsburg Edges Millersville
 
Millersville, Pa. – No. 5 East Stroudsburg outlasted No. 4 Millersville 49-48 on Saturday afternoon at Pucillo Gymnasium in Millersville, Pa. in order to advance to the 2014 PSAC Women’s Basketball Quarterfinals.
 
East Stroudsburg advances to face No. 1 Bloomsburg on Tuesday, March 4, at 7:00 p.m. at Nelson Field House in Bloomsburg, Pa.
 
East Stroudsburg was led by Ryann Fiaski’s 11 points, while Halie Cintron pitched-in 10. Fiaski hit a 3-pointer with 1.9 seconds left to lift East Stroudsburg over Millersville.
 
The PSAC postseason victory is the first for the Warriors since 2007, when they defeated Mansfield 66-45 in the quarterfinals.
 
Millersville caps the 2013-14 season with a 15-12 overall record, and East Stroudsburg improves to 15-12.
 
Box Score
East Stroudsburg Story
Millersville Story
 
 
PSAC First Round: IUP Downs Pitt-Johnstown
 
Indiana, Pa. – No. 4 IUP defeated No. 5 Pitt-Johnstown 79-56 in the Kovalchick Complex in Indiana, Pa. on Saturday night and will advance to the 2014 PSAC Women’s Basketball Quarterfinals.
 
The Crimson Hawks will travel to No. 1 Edinboro on Tuesday, March 4 for a 7:00 p.m. quarterfinal matchup.
 
IUP’s Lindsay Stamp posted 21 points in the victory, while both Ashley Stoner and Leslie Stapleton added 15 apiece. Stamp completed a double-double with 11 rebounds.
 
The Crimson Hawks are now 20-12 all-time in the PSAC postseason, while 2014 marks their 17^th appearance in the tournament.
 
IUP improves to 18-9 on the season, while Pitt-Johnstown falls to 10-17.
 
Box Score
IUP Story
Pitt-Johnstown Story
 

PSAC First Round: California Defeats Seton Hill
 
California, Pa. – No. 3 California took down No. 6 Seton Hill 74-59 in the 2014 PSAC Women’s Basketball First Round at the Convocation Center in California, Pa. on Saturday night.
 
The Vulcans advance to play No. 2 Gannon in the PSAC Quarterfinals on Tuesday, March 4 at 5:30 p.m. at Hammermill Center.
 
California was led on the scoreboard by Emma Mahady’s 19 points. Irina Kukolj earned 14 points, while Kaitlynn Fratz and Miki Glenn each netted 12 points.
 
California has appeared in the PSAC Tournament five times in the last seven seasons, and is searching for its first conference title since 2006.
 
Box Score
California Story
Seton Hill Story

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PSAC CHAMPIONSHIP TO BE AIRED LIVE ON PCN