WEST CHESTER, Pa. – Kutztown women's basketball featured 11 different players reach the score column as it led from start to finish in picking up the first victory of the 2025-26 regular season Saturday afternoon, downing Salem 71-35 in its second and final game of the MEC/PSAC Challenge at West Chester University's Hollinger Field House.
 
The Golden Bears (1-1 overall) evened their record on the weekend to start the campaign and looked more like the defending PSAC champions, scoring a season-high in points.
 
Danae Ellzy (Coatesville, Pa./Coatesville) started her first game at KU and scored in double figures for the second straight game, leading her team with 17 points on 6-of-7 shooting, while adding four rebounds and two steals. Taylor Gurysh (Langhorne, Pa./Neshaminy) also finished with a season-high of 12 points and went 3-for-4 from long range. Madison Siggins (Allentown, Pa./Parkland) recorded nine points and five rebounds. Both Ariana Smuda (Exton, Pa./Downingtown East) and Kitty Randa (Horsham, Pa./Hatboro-Horsham) both scored eight points and combined for nine rebounds. Bella Quinn (Ashland, Ky./Russell), Alexa Windish (Philadelphia, Pa./Archbishop Wood) and Jadyn Brenneman (New Fairfield, Conn./Western Reserve Academy) all had four points and both Olivia Smelas (Jim Thorpe, Pa./Jim Thorpe) and Maggie Coleman (Clarks Summit, Pa./Abington Heights) added two points. Stella Higgins (Lancaster, Pa./Lancaster Catholic) rounded out the scoring with one point and added four rebounds.
 
Unlike in yesterday's game with Glenville State, the Maroon and Gold were out in front from the opening tip-off, using a strong second quarter where they outscored the Tigers 17-4 to take a 30-12 lead at halftime and never looked back.
 
The Golden Bears shot 52.2% (12-for-23) in the opening half and held Salem to just 15.4% (5-for-26).
 
KU continued to pour it on in the third quarter and outscored Salem 23-11 to take a 53-23 lead after three. The Maroon and Gold finished the game strong, going on an 18-12 run in the fourth quarter to walk off winners.
 
Kutztown will next make its home debut on Wednesday, Nov. 19, when it hosts Penn State Schuylkill at 5:30 p.m.

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