BLOOMSBURG, PA (March 1, 2011) – The curtain has closed on the careers of seniors Melissa McQuade (Pittsburgh, PA/Shaler) and Meredith Starr (Richmond, VA/Monacan) as the Kutztown University women's basketball team dropped an 80-66 decision to Bloomsburg University Tuesday night in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Quarterfinal match at Nelson Field House. (BOXSCORE)
The two seniors combined for 25 points Tuesday night and after being subbed out in the final minutes, were found embracing one another in a career-ending hug as current members of the Kutztown women's basketball team. The pair of roommates and best friends off the court have built a bond and chemistry between them over the past four years that finding each other on the court has almost become a task they could do in their sleep.
“Melissa is such a great person to play with and just a great person overall,” said Starr. “On the court, we have figured out where each other are on the floor at all times. Even if I close my eyes I could probably tell you where she is on the floor. I know exactly when she's going to cut, I know exactly when she's going to pass, and I know exactly when she's going to shoot. I couldn't have asked for anything else when coming to KU four years ago.”
McQuade certainly had an outstanding career as she cemented her legacy as arguably the greatest player in Kutztown University women's history. McQuade is Kutztown's all-time leading scorer (1,624 points) and rebounder (973) in program history. In addition to leading the Golden Bears in scoring and rebounding, McQuade is third on the all-time 3-point list with 152, fourth on the all-time steals list with 207, and fifth on the all-time assist list with 342. McQuade has led the Golden Bears in scoring in each of the last three seasons and helped KU to the PSAC playoffs for a third straight year. McQuade has recorded 30 double-doubles, scored in double figures 84 times, and helped the Golden Bears win 65 games during her career.
Looking back over her career, a smile came to McQuade's face that lit up the dimly lit bus on her final road-trip back to KU. She has enjoyed everything that Kutztown offered, both on and off the basketball court.
“It has been awesome and just a great experience,” said McQuade. The teammates I've had over the years have been great. I am going to miss playing at Kutztown so much. I wouldn't trade it for anything.”
This year, McQuade led Kutztown in scoring (16.9 points per game), rebounding (9.0), steals (60), blocked shots (19), and assists (102). A two-time All-PSAC East first team selection, McQuade was named the Lehigh Valley Small College Coaches' Organization Player of the Year this season. She was also named to the Capital One Academic All-America second team and All-District II first team.
The Golden Bears fought to the final whistle against Bloomsburg as they refused to give up and truly left everything on the floor. After being down by as many as 18 early in the second half and 67-53 with 7 minutes, 4 seconds remaining, KU dug in on the defensive end and started the comeback.
Fittingly, McQuade started the run for the Golden Bears with a mid-range jumper and Starr capped off the eventual 10-0 run with a layup of her own to bring the game to four at 67-63 with 4:11 remaining. That toughness and desire to win has carried this year's edition of Kutztown basketball and head women's basketball coach Janet Malouf couldn't be any prouder of her senior class.
“They've done a tremendous job,” said Malouf. Meredith and Melissa are our hardest workers and are also our two best players. Every day at practice was a joy to come to because we knew they were going to give everything they had. I can truly say that they are two of my favorite people and I am looking forward to continuing the relationship and the friendship I have with those two.”
When asked about at their time after KU, it was shocking the similarities between the two scholar-athletes who both hold an impressive 3.94 GPA. Despite the intense eight-hour drive between their hometowns of Pittsburgh and Richmond, VA, both seniors talked about keeping in touch on almost a daily basis with even references to being in each other's weddings.
“She's my best friend,” said Starr. “We weren't roommate's freshman year, but we were basically roommates who lived right next to each other because we were always together with basketball. We have lived together ever since and it has just been great. I know we'll stay in touch after we graduate. She'll probably be in my wedding someday and I can already see us raising each other's kids to be little basketball players.”
Starr also ends her career with impressive numbers. Starr finished her career fifth on the all-time list for made 3-pointers with 107 and second on the all-time assist list with 389. She has scored in double figures 21 times during her career. Starr scored 708 points during her time in the maroon-and-gold.
“Meredith has been the best point guard I have ever played with,” said McQuade. “I always know where she is on the court and where she likes to shoot from, and I'm going to miss having that player to rely on who I am can play with so comfortably.”
Both student-athletes wanted to take the time to thank everyone who has helped them over the years. They would like to thank the entire Kutztown University athletics staff, the sports medicine staff, and especially their coaches.
KU also lost its third senior Kristen Murray (Harrisburg, PA/Trinity) earlier in the year to injury. Murray had been averaging 9.6 ppg until she went down in KU's first conference game of the season.
Freshman Andrea Sisson (Richmond, VA/Godwin) led the team with 17 points, including 5-for-9 from 3-point range. Both of which tied her career-highs. Steph Zewe (Lewistown, PA/Indian Valley) added 11 points for the Golden Bears and led the team with seven rebounds.
The Huskies were led by sophomore Kayla Oxenrider who had a game-high 29 points off 8-for-16 shooting including 5-for-9 from 3-point range. She also made eight free throws. Dana Wieller had 17 points and Kelsey Gallagher added 16 points. Alyssa Flanagan had a game-high nine rebounds. Bloomsburg will move onto the semifinal round where it will host California (Pa) Friday night at 7:30 p.m. Millersville and Edinboro will meet in the first semifinal at 5:30 p.m. at Bloomsburg.
Kutztown now heads into the offseason with a new group of leaders and role players to turn to. Players like Ashley Wood (Limerick, PA/Spring-Ford), Zewe, Brittany LeVan (Centre Hall, PA/Penns Valley), Sisson, Brittany Greaves (Malvern, PA/Great Valley) and Avery Hodgson (Surf City, NJ/Southern Regional) will look to make an impact on the 2011-12 Golden Bears and lead KU to the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.
--KU--
