KUTZTOWN, Pa. (January 6, 2011)—Brittany, Britney, Brittney, Britany, Britni, Brittani, and the list continues with several alterations of one of the most popular names in the world. There are several ways to spell the common name, but when it comes to the Kutztown University women's basketball team, two Brittany's are better than one.

Brittany Greaves (Malvern, PA/Great Valley) and Brittany LeVan (Centre Hall, PA/Penns Valley) share more than just their first name. The pair share an unbreakable bond that extends beyond the basketball court.

The Golden Bears (7-3 overall) are rolling after defeating Mercyhurst, 81-56 and Slippery Rock, 86-58 earlier in the week in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference crossover action.

KU will strive to continue its two-game winning streak when they travel to California (Pa.) and Indiana (Pa.) for more PSAC crossover action this weekend. Kutztown will face Cal (7-3) on Saturday, Jan. 8 at 1 p.m. and Indiana (6-4) on Sunday, Jan.9 at 1 p.m. The Golden Bears are 4-9 all-time against Cal. The last time KU defeated the Vulcans was in 2001, 64-51. Kutztown is 3-13 against the Crimson Hawks. In 2004, the Golden Bears were victorious over IUP, 56-46.

Greaves and LeVan have helped contribute the small things that necessarily don't always show on the stat sheets. Their hard work, dedication, and entertaining personalities help round out their team. They will be counted on this weekend to provide energy and experience as the Golden Bears prepare for a pair of tough games in difficult environments.

The junior duo met months before stepping onto KU's campus. In efforts to celebrate senior week in high school, the pair set off for the beach and randomly met. Months later, LeVan and Greaves saw each other again and learned that they'd be roommates during their freshman year. This was the beginning of a long-lasting friendship.

Sharing living space for three years, being teammates, and remaining best friends is a task that not all can handle, but LeVan and Greaves' similarities and love for family and basketball is what keeps their light shining.

“We have a really solid friendship,” Greaves said. “Basketball helps the friendship, but we both can rely on each other. On the court it definitely helps because we have that chemistry.”

On the court, the two have spent the past years grooming and developing their skills to become KU's next leaders.

“They are very supportive of each other and the rest of the team,” Kutztown head coach Janet Malouf said. “They are very close friends and being the only two in the junior class, they know that they will be the next set of leaders for our program. They realize that being a good leader besides being supportive is that they must show how hard you have to compete to play Division II college basketball. The only way to lead the others is by example.”

Led by the sensational senior class of Meredith Starr (Richmond, VA/Monacan), Melissa McQuade (Pittsburgh, PA/Shaler), and Kristen Murray (Harrisburg, PA/Trinity), Greaves and Le Van are becoming well prepared. Starr, McQuade, and Murray combined are averaging 31.5 points per game.

“We have to step it up,” LeVan said. “Our seniors will be gone soon and we want to make a big impact during our last year. We're doing a good job in practice of pushing ourselves and teammates.”

Greaves, who is averaging 2.3 points per game, has improved immensely with her outside shooting. The coaching staff is working on her post moves and getting her more comfortable around the basket.

Averaging 4.8 points per outing, LeVan has also improved her shooting ability on the perimeter and has done a great job defending and rebounding this season. She has also worked hard on taking care of the ball and while that is still a work in progress, she is getting much more comfortable and making better decisions with the ball.

With their senior year around the corner, decisions about their future after Kutztown have sunk in. Greaves plans to attend graduate school and pursue a career in the medical field. LeVan wants to study engineering at Penn State. Their back up plan is to buy a house in Kutztown and never leave.

The dynamic twosome has developed a friendship that can be seen on and off the court. When one is down, the other picks her up. They elude the characteristics of ideal teammates-ones who support everyone on the team, understand their roles, and are for the progression of the program.

GOLDEN BEAR BITES: Melissa McQuade (Pittsburgh, PA/Shaler) enters the weekend with 1,319 points and 801 rebounds for her career…She is 17 points shy of passing Missy Boettger who is fourth on KU's all-time scoring list…. Meredith Starr (Richmond, VA/Monacan) handed out 15 assists in KU's last two games against Mercyhurst and Slippery Rock. She has 336 for her career and needs two assists to move past Patti Kline and into fourth on KU's all-time assist list. Kutztown has scored at least 80 points in all seven its victories. ..Ashley Wood (Limerick, PA/Spring-Ford) was named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division Player of the Week..She has scored at least 20 points in KU's last two games.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA: Cal U ended its 18-day layoff with a 68-63 loss to Charleston on Dec. 30 before claiming PSAC Crossover wins at Mansfield and Bloomsburg…After missing her first start in 100 games, senior Kayla Smith returned to the starting line-up and averaged 18.7 points and 14.0 rebounds last week with double-doubles in each game…She now has posted 51 career double-doubles with seven this season…In the loss at Charleston, the Vulcans made just one three-pointer before combining for 13 treys at Mansfield and Bloomsburg…Against the Huskies, Cal U made a season-high seven three-pointers and 20 free throws…After entering Christmas break averaging over 18 points per game, junior Amy Johns combined for only 12 points against Charleston and Mansfield before responding with 17 points in the win at Bloomsburg…The Vulcans will play their first home in 38 days.

ABOUT IUP: The IUP women have now won four straight after a 2-4 start…Lacey Claar dished
out fifteen assists this week, moving her to sixth in school history with 333 for her career…Katelyn Marshall turned in her best game of the year with a season high 16 points and a career high six assists against Mansfield.