KUTZTOWN, Pa. (January 22, 2011) – From beginning to end, the day belonged to Kutztown University senior forward Melissa McQuade (Pittsburgh, PA/Shaler). She enjoyed an afternoon to remember in leading the Golden Bears to a 69-52 victory over East Stroudsburg University in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division game Saturday afternoon at Keystone Arena. (BOXSCORE)
Prior to the start of the contest, McQuade was recognized for becoming the all-time leading rebounder in school history. She received some flowers, a decorative ball commemorating the accomplishment and a plaque at center court. Late in the game, with 56 seconds remaining to be precise, McQuade got some more hugs, kisses, and high-fives after setting the new Kutztown University women's basketball scoring standard with a free-throw to pass Amy Wahl's total of 1,434 points.
However, the most touching moment of the game was Wahl, who starred for Kutztown from 1995-1999, presenting McQuade with a bouquet of flowers during the announcement of the milestone. McQuade now has 1,436 career points after notching her 27th career double-double (30 points and 10 rebounds). It was the second time in three games; McQuade tied her career high scoring total. As a testament to her consistency, McQuade has scored in double figures 74 times during a highlight-filled career.
“I was glad that I was able to be here to share the moment and watch Melissa break the record,” Wahl said. “It was very exciting to watch, but I was nervous for her. I know how it is when you come to a game knowing how many points you need to break a record. However, the thing that stands out about her is Melissa's an all-around player and she does so many things well. A record like this couldn't have happened to a better person.”
McQuade had help from her teammates Saturday as sophomore guard Ashley Wood (Limerick, PA/Spring-Ford) scored 12 points and freshman guard Andrea Sisson (Richmond, VA/Godwin) added 10 points for the Golden Bears (9-7 overall, 2-2 PSAC East). Sophomore forward Steph Zewe (Lewistown, PA/Indian Valley) tied her career-high with 13 rebounds to help KU end a two-game skid. All of those efforts were needed to overcome a gritty East Stroudsburg effort. Brittany McClain and Andrea Veras scored 12 points each to lead the Warriors (4-12, 1-3).
“I owe so much to my teammates because they made this possible,” McQuade said. “The whole team has been really supportive and they've cheered me on and I appreciate that.”
With KU clinging to a 51-47 lead with 4 minutes, 14 seconds remaining, McQuade detonated and scored 11 points to help KU finally shake ESU. McQuade entered the game needing 29 points. After scoring 12 in the first half, it appeared as if McQuade would not reach the mark in front of the home fans. Her final six points came from the foul line.
She tied Wahl's mark with 2:11 remaining. McQuade was fouled with under a minute remaining and everybody in the gym knew that her next point would be the scoring record.
“It's a big relief to get the scoring record because I had been reading about it and people kept mentioning it,” McQuade said. “I knew I was getting close, but I wasn't worried about it even though it was on my mind. I never thought I would score this many points. This is unbelievable and it hasn't hit me yet. “It meant a lot to have Amy here. She comes to a lot of our games and it was awesome for her to be here.”
Making the afternoon more special was McQuade's family as they shared in the euphoria of the moment. Her parents, Mark and Kathy, came out of the stands to celebrate the accomplishment and pose for snapshots. They've had a lot of be proud of during McQuade's four years in the maroon-and-gold. With a gold-medal winning personality, McQuade has left her mark at Kutztown and not just for being the rebounding and scoring queen.
The elementary education major is a three-time PSAC scholar-athlete and a two-time All-PSAC East first team selection. She has helped the KU women's team to 48 victories since the beginning of her sophomore season.
“Her best attribute is that she is unassuming,” Kutztown head coach Janet Malouf said. “She is the nicest kid you would ever want to meet, I am happy for her because something like this couldn't have happened to a better person. She's a true competitor when she is on the floor and will do whatever it takes for her team to win.”
Kutztown will return to action Wednesday evening when it visits Cheyney University starting at 6 p.m.
--KU-
