Looking into the mirror the Shippensburg University women’s basketball team does not see a Raider, nor a bear or a hawk.
No. When SU looks at its reflection, it sees a Golden Ram.
With West Chester University coming into Heiges Field House tonight for a 6 p.m. contest, it enters resembling a mirrored image of SU. Both teams have compiled 6-5 conference records with SU holding an advantage in the overall win column, but only by one victory. Both teams have three or more of their players averaging points in double figures (SU 4, WCU 3) and both have had significant contributions from freshmen during the team’s campaign.
Mirror, mirror on the wall, which one of these teams is going to fall?
Similarities aside, the Raiders boast one of the best backcourts in the PSAC. Sarah Strybuc is a perimeter threat and is coming off of a 22-point performance against Mansfield University on Saturday. Dana and Shawna Wert show off their twin power in remarkable ways. Their chemistry is off the charts and it has helped facilitate a potent SU offense.
Freshman Stephanie Knauer has impressed many with her performance so far this year. Knauer has recorded eight double-doubles in SU’s 16 games this year and will be likely to receive her share of touches in tonight’s game.
WCU thrives around Alexandra Lennon. The 6 foot 2 inch forward leads the team in scoring (11.1) and will pose a formidable opposition for Knauer’s overall size. Lennon has recorded a mind boggling 55 blocks on the year, good for first in the PSAC. She will look to stymie the Raider offensive attack.
Like SU, WCU has had a fair share of contributions from its underclassmen. Brittany Sicinski earned PSAC Freshman Player of the Week and will look to be an integral part of the Golden Rams’ strategy. The freshman averages 17 points per game, including a team-high 20 points in the Golden Rams’ win over arch-rival Millersville University on Saturday inside Hollinger Field House.
Both teams match-up evenly across the board, but SU’s backcourt will be the difference in the game. Look for the Wert twins to boast high numbers offensively and for Strybuc to record double-digit points. SU will pull out the victory 76–68.
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