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WL-GSC, SHU-CU Battles Key Big Day Of WVIAC Women's Basketball Showdowns
1/8/2010

(PRINCETON, W.Va.)---What is expected to be a deep and balanced battle for the WVIAC women's basketball crown starts off the second semester with a bang with a number of intriuging matchups.

Three-pointers won't be in short supply when surprising WVIAC co-leader Glenville State (6-2, 4-0) travels to pre-season conference favorite West Liberty (4-4, 0-3). The Lady Pioneers have scored at least 103 points in each of their four conference victories and lead Division II with nearly 14 made three-pointers per contest.

Senior guard Donita Adams (19.5 ppg) leads five GSC scorers that average in double figures. Center Kristen Golden provides a near double-double at 12.9 points and 8.9 rebounds per outing. Ten GSC players play at least 10 minutes per game.

West Liberty got off to an uncharacteristic 2-4 start, but the Toppers picked up key regional wins over Edinboro and Indiana (PA) prior to the break. Last season's WVIAC Player of the Year Tori Hansen paces WL with 19.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. The Toppers also like the long ball, making 8.8 trifectas per night.

Seton Hill (6-1, 2-1) and Concord (7-2, 4-0) will be entering their matchup in Athens from different directions. Seton Hill earned one of the biggest wins in school history in their last outing on December 30 as they knocked off then-No. 10 California (PA) 67-56. Concord suffered a shocking defeat on Wednesday as the ice-cold Lady Lions fell 90-37 to Edinboro on the road.

Concord, which is unbeaten in four home contests, has boasted one of the stingiest field goal defenses in Division II to date. Opponents have only made 34.9 percent of their shots versus CU and seven of nine foes have been limited to 40 percent or less. Sisters Sierra (15.1 ppg, 7.4 rpg) and Jolysa (12.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg) lead the Lady Lions in the scoring column.

Seton Hill has taken all four of their road contests in 2009-10, including in-region wins at Slippery Rock and Clarion. The Griffins pace the WVIAC in scoring defense, allowing a scant 55.9 points per contest. SHU has held six of seven foes to 60 points or fewer with the exception coming in an 83-74 league loss to Wheeling Jesuit. Senior Katie Lintner (15.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg) paces Seton Hill, while Erika Haitz (11.4 ppg) and Jordan Burkes (10.0 ppg) also score in double figures.

Charleston (7-4, 4-2) and Pitt Johnstown (5-3, 2-1) met in a WVIAC Tournament semifinal last season and each are expected to remain among the league's top teams. The homestanding Golden Eagles ran their win streak to five contests on Thursday as they closed with an 8-0 burst in a 78-68 win over Shepherd. UPJ has won four straight, but the Lady Cats have not seen action since a 67-34 rout of Salem International on December 10.

Two of the league's most dangerous scoring threats will be on display when West Virginia Wesleyan (4-5, 2-2) visits league co-leader Wheeling Jesuit (4-4, 3-0). Wesleyan's Lydia Bridenbaugh paces the WVIAC in scoring at 20.3 points per game, while WJU long-range bomber Kourtney Booth pours in 19.3 points per outing.

Davis & Elkins (4-3, 1-2) hopes to end a win one, lose one pattern when the Senators head to Ohio Valley (2-4, 0-3). A victory would allow Jason Asbell's D&E squad to equal last season's win total.

Saturday evening's Shepherd (3-5, 2-2) at West Virginia State (6-4, 2-3) contest could be crucial in the battle to receive a first-round WVIAC Tournament home game. The homestanding Jackets have won five of their last six contests, including their last three.

The day's schedule is completed by Fairmont State's (6-3, 3-1) trip to short-handed Bluefield State (0-9, 0-4) and Salem International (0-8, 0-3) hosts Alderson-Broaddus (2-5, 0-2).

Please consult wviac.org, the WVIAC Blog, or individual school websites for any weather related changes to Saturday's slate with cold and snowy conditions expected across the region.