The Keene State College women’s basketball team started off their season 2-0 with two wins at home this past weekend in the Tip-Off Tournament.
Championship Game:
The Owls were able to win the Keene State College Tip-Off Tournament in their second game of the season Saturday afternoon, defeating Sage College 81-65.
Stephanie D’Annolfo, the tournament MVP, led the charge for the Owls as she scored 11 points. In addition, she contributed with eight rebounds, six steals and five assists.
D’Annolfo commented on receiving the MVP award. She said, “It’s nice to have it and nice to know I can be a leader for this team.”
Tim Smith / Photo Editor
The Owls felt a little bit of a scare as Sage College pulled to within two points very late in the third quarter to make the score 54-52. However, the Owls first-year players came up with big shots, as Emily McPadden and Valerie Martin were able to drain clutch threes to stop the run. McPadden finished with 20 points to lead the team and Martin had 18 points.
Owls Head Coach Keith Boucher said he was pleased with the effort of his first-year players. “They gave us big minutes and they played big,” Boucher said.
In addition, Boucher said, “I don’t think they were afraid of the bright lights. I think that sometimes happens with freshmen.”
The other award winners for Keene State in the tournament were senior guard Kelsey Cognetta and Martin, who both earned spots on the All-Tournament Team. With the win the Owls are now 2-0 on the season and Sage College fell to 1-1.
The Owls return home Saturday afternoon to face Smith College at 2 p.m.
Opening Game:
The women’s team also won their first game of the Keene State College Tip-Off Tournament.
On Friday afternoon the Owls demolished SUNY Cobleskill 91-45. KSC jumped out to the lead early in the first quarter and had a 26-10 lead after the first quarter. Keene State led at halftime 47-22.
Keene State shot the ball well in their opening game of the season. The Owls shot 48.6 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from downtown. Sophomore Sandi Purcell led the charge, scoring 17 points in the win and contributing five steals and five rebounds. Valerie Martin had 14 points off the bench in her KSC basketball debut.
There was also some solid play down low for Keene State as D’Annolfo had ten rebounds and contributed five points.
Brian can be contacted at bclemmenson@kscequinox.com