YSU PREVIEW

YSU PREVIEw
Women's basketball
Who: YSU (4-7) vs. Butler (4-5)When: Thursday, 7 p.m.Where: Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
Radio/TV: None
Coaches: Tisha Hill is in her third season with the Penguins, with an overall record of 20-47. Beth Couture is in her fourth season with the Bulldogs with a 38-57 record. In her career (17 seasons) she is 296-174 overall.
The series: This is the 10th meeting with Butler holding a 5-4 advantage. The Bulldogs won both meetings a year ago 72-61 at YSU and 67-54 in Indianapolis. The Bulldogs have won the last four meetings, while the Penguins had won four of the first five meetings. YSU's last win in Indiana was in 2002-03 80-74.
YSU starters: Lauren Branson, 5-6 sophomore guard (5.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists); Ashlee Russo, 5-7, senior guard (9.3, 3.8, 1.8); Kristy Gaudiose, 5-7 junior guard (10.1, 4.2, 1.3); Michelle Holmes, 6-2 senior center (8.6, 3.8, 1.0); Jessica Schloemp, 6-3 sophomore forward (8.1, 4.7, 0.3)Butler starters: Carla Gheorghe, 6-0, junior forward (12.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists); Stephanie Boeke, 5-10 senior forward (4.7, 5.4, 1.8); Lade Akande, 6-1 freshman center (12.0, 8.0, 1.0); Jackie Closser, 5-5 junior guard (14.1, 2.3, 4.3); Ellen Hamilton, 5-10 junior guard (14.0, 1.9, 1.0).
Game notes: The Penguins are on a two-game winning streak, their first since the end of last season. YSU is coming off a 69-62 victory over Coppin State at home. The Penguins have been paced in this streak by local standouts Ashlee Russo (Boardman) and Kristy Gaudiose (Poland). Against Coppin State Russo had 21 points, while Gaudiose had her first career double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. This is the Horizon League opener for both teams. Butler also comes into the game on a two-game winning streak having beaten Evansville 83-78 and last Thursday defeated WMBC 72-66. Both wins were at home where they are 2-1 this year. The Bulldogs also own wins over Eastern Illinois 80-78 in overtime and Central Florida 69-57.
Next up: The Penguins will continue on the road in Horizon League action playing at Wright State on Dec. 31 in a 1:05 p.m. tip-off.
Pete Mollica