Monday, December 19, 2005
Who: YSU (2-7) vs. Akron (1-6).When: Today, 7 p.m. Where: Rhodes Arena in Akron
Radio: WNIO-AM (1390);
Coaches: Tisha Hill is in her third season with the Penguins, with an overall record of 18-47. Kelly Kennedy is in her fourth season with the Zips and has an overall record of 13-78.
The series: This will be the 44th meeting between the teams with the Penguins holding a 33-10 advantage. YSU won the last meeting a year ago in Youngstown 61-48 and the Zips won the game in 2003 67-62 in two overtimes in Akron. Prior to that YSU had won seven straight and 16 of the last 20 meetings.
YSU starters: Lauren Branson, 5-6 sophomore guard (6.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists); Monique Godfrey, 5-8 freshman guard (3.7, 2.7, 2.6); Kristy Gaudiose, 5-7 junior guard (7.3, 3.3, 1.1); Michelle Holmes, 6-2 senior center (9.3, 3.4, 1.1); Jessica Schloemp, 6-3 sophomore forward (8.4, 4.8, 0.1).
Akron starters: Jessie Crooks, 6-1 junior forward (11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 0.5 assists); Courtney Stewart, 5-7 senior guard (10.0, 4.3, 3.0); Niki McCoy, 5-11 freshman forward (8.9, 5.3, 3.6); Krissy Marco, 5-8 senior forward (2.6, 1.9, 3.4); Mandy Holzer, 6-2 junior center (3.1, 3.0, 1.0)
Game notes: The Penguins have lost four straight following their 96-57 thumping by Indiana State Saturday at Beeghly Center. The 96 points was by far the most the Penguins have allowed this season. YSU also allowed the Sycamores 60 points in the first 20 minutes. Junior Kristy Gaudiose has led the Penguins in scoring the past two games, but she hasn't had a lot of help, although sophomore Jessica Schloemp had 12 points and seven rebounds. Akron has struggled also this season winning only at home against Montana State 73-60. The Zips also lost to Horizon League member Cleveland State 62-59 at home where they are 1-1. They are 0-5 on the road.
Next up: The Penguins return home to Beeghly Center on Wednesday when they take on Coppin State in a 5:15 p.m. contest. The YSU men will meet James Madison in the second game of the doubleheader at 7:35.
Pete Mollica