KUTZTOWN, Pa (December 7, 2010)—Steph Zewe (Lewistown, PA/Indian Valley) is hoping that the Kutztown University women's basketball team enjoys an early Christmas present as it travels to Takoma Park, Md. to face Washington Adventist on Thursday, December 8. Tip-off is at 6 p.m.

The Golden Bears (4-2 overall) were on a four game winning streak until last Saturday, when they dropped a tough 64-62 decision to University of the Sciences. The Golden Bears will be in search of their first road victory of the season as they play their final contest before Christmas.

Zewe is confident in her team and feels like getting back to the basics is the cure that KU needs.

“We shouldn't have lost that game,” Zewe said. “But since we did we just have to go into every game ready to play. We don't shoot as well on the road, so we have to keep practicing. We have to get adjusted to other rims and courts, but I think we'll be ok.”

Kutztown has struggled on the road, shooting 43-for-128 (33%). Zewe is fourth on the team in scoring (9.7 points per game). This season, she continues to be a key asset to KU. Not seeing much time on the floor last year has been her motivation for the 2010-11 season.

“I decided this year that I wanted to play and be an impact for the team,” Zewe said. “I knew coming into my sophomore year that we needed a big man, so I stepped up.”

She is well on her way to surpassing her total points from last season. She needs six points, which won't be a hard task for Zewe who already has dropped 58 points. Her “big man” mentality has enabled her to grab 27 rebounds and lead the team in blocked shots with six.

KU knows that it has to refocus and rebuild for their next opponent. The Lady Shock (0-5 overall) are having a rough time finishing games in the early season but will definitely be motivated by the fact that Kutztown is 0-2 away from the friendly confines of Keystone Arena.

Washington Adventist is led by Vanessa Rice (12.8 points per game), Molly Walters (7.6), and Angelica Nevarez (6.6). Rice is the Lady Shock's go-to-girl with 64 points. The Lady Shock and Kutztown have a common opponent in Chestnut Hill College. KU defeated CHC 90-58, while Washington-Adventist suffered a 90-40 loss to Chestnut Hill in its season opener.

Leading the Golden Bears offense is Melissa McQuade (Pittsburgh, PA/Shaler) with 92 points. McQuade continues her climb up the Kutztown all-time career rebounding and scoring charts. She passed Brianne Homyak and moved into fourth place on the all-time school scoring list with 1,258 points. In addition, she leaped past Robin Avery and into third place on KU's all-time rebounding list with 772.

Ashley Wood (Limerick, PA/Spring-Ford) and Andrea Sisson (Richmond, VA/Godwin) have stepped up and had some great games this year. Wood has 63 points (10.5/game) and Sisson is right behind her with 62 (10.3.game). Sisson has scored in double figures in three straight games.

Kutztown believes it has all of the right remedies to treat their road struggles and hopefully enjoy a happy bus ride home.