KUTZTOWN, PA (November 27, 2010) – In addition to bringing back plenty of leftover Thanksgiving food back to campus, the Kutztown University women's basketball team also returned from its three-day break with its shooting touch.

 

The Golden Bears scorched the nets early in cruising to an 81-56 victory over Georgian Court University in a non-conference women's basketball game Saturday evening at Keystone Arena. (BOXSCORE)

 

In winning its third straight contest, Kutztown (3-1 overall) made 11 of its first 14 baskets and built a 28-point lead 13 minutes into the game. For the second time in three games, every Golden Bear who saw action scored. Kutztown shared the love as it finished with 22 assists on its 29 baskets.

 

Leading the way for Kutztown was freshman guard Andrea Sisson (Richmond, VA/Godwin), who scored a career-high 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting from the floor. She also made all three of her 3-pointers as Kutztown sank nine on the evening.

 

Senior forward Melissa McQuade (Pittsburgh, PA/Shaler) contributed 12 points, four rebounds, four steals, and three assists. She raised her career point total to 1,217 and rebound count to 750.

 

However, the catalyst was senior guard Meredith Starr (Richmond, VA/Monacan), who made her first three 3-pointers and had two assists as KU roared to a quick 13-2 lead less than five minutes into the contest. The Golden Bears' advantage never dropped below double digits. Starr moved into a three-way tie on the all-time 3-point list with Cyndi Wasilius and Megan Bainbridge following her effort against the Lions. Starr has 82 career 3-pointers.

 

“It was really important for us to get off to a good start tonight,” Starr said. “We came in for our shoot-around this afternoon and everybody was in a really good mood. Everybody shot the ball really well today. We're just trying to get better and improve every day as a team.”

 

One player who is improving for the Golden Bears on a daily basis is Sisson. Starr has enjoyed a front-row seat to Sisson's development. They have a solid bond forged because Starr's dad, Larry, coached both players in AAU and they're from Virginia. Sisson has provided plenty of pop off the bench for the Golden Bears through four games, averaging 8.7 points per outing.

 

Sisson has in-the-gym range. Her shot whistles and swishes through the net with the softness of a feather. She has been playing basketball and shooting in her driveway since she was young. She announced her presence on the collegiate level with nine points in her first game against nationally-ranked Holy Family.

 

“I love it here,” Sisson said. “The team chemistry was great as soon as I got here. Everybody gets along well. It's taken me some time to adjust to the faster pace of this level, but playing in the scrimmages has helped me. I know I have a lot to improve on, but I am just glad that I have been able to help the team so far this season.”

 

Starr is thankful to have Sisson as a teammate. They've competed against each other for a number of years. Not only does Starr have somebody she can possibly carpool home with now, she also has somebody that could help her assist total as the year goes on. Starr is a fan of how Sisson approaches the game.

 

“She has the best shot I've ever seen,” Starr said. “She's a smart player and a perfect fit for our team. I've known her since she was 10 and seen her basically grow up. I am really excited that she's here.”

 

The Lions of Georgian Court weren't as thrilled to see Sisson knocking down shots. Lauren Staats finished with a game-high 18 points and Jasmine Cobbs added 13 for Georgian Court. Three Lions grabbed six rebounds (Samantha Foley, Inayah Williams and Chinyere Ozuzu).

 

Kutztown's strong start enabled everybody to get a piece of the action. Freshman Leah Hawk (Carlisle, PA/Cumberland Valley) blocked a career-high five shots. Freshman Sharele Anderson (Clayton, NJ/Clayton) scored a career-high eight points. Sophomore Brittany Greaves (Malvern, PA/Great Valley) handed out four assists.

 

The Golden Bears are halfway through their non-conference schedule, which is mostly comprised of schools from the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC). They will conclude their four game homestand Wednesday when Chestnut Hill College visits for a 6:00 p.m. tip off.

 

“Meredith and Andrea played well tonight for us,” Kutztown head women's basketball coach Janet Malouf said. “What was good is that Meredith asserted herself early and that helped everybody get into a flow. We are very happy to have Andrea. We knew we needed a scorer and she's done a good job of giving us some scoring off the bench.”

 

--KU--