Even in the frigid temperature, the Shippensburg University’s women’s basketball team has found a way to be red-hot. The Raiders have reeled off an impressive winning streak — winning 10 straight on their way to a 15-2 record to start the season.

The hot start has the Raiders leading the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and puts them in great position heading into the final month of the regular season. SU is 11-2 in the PSAC, defeating the second place team in the East division, West Chester University, 85-72 on Dec. 1. The Raiders currently hold a one-game lead over the Golden Rams in the East division.

Junior Morgan Griffith has led the Raiders all season, averaging a double-double, with 17.1 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. Griffith has been a force for the team, leading them both in points and rebounds. Griffith has also been able to score efficiently on all areas of the court, shooting 42.9 percent from 3-point range and 48.6 percent from inside the arc.

Griffith has stepped up in the absence of last year’s leading scorer. Stephanie Knauer went down with a leg injury just five games into the season.

The team has also received strong production from junior Logan Snyder, who has averaged 13.4 points per game to go along with 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.

Junior guard Lauren Gold has also stuffed the stat sheet this season, averaging 9.6 points, 4.1 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game. Gold has also been very efficient from the free throw line, converting on just over 90 percent of her free throw attempts.

The team’s success has revolved around strong shooting, converting points at the free throw line, as well as playing stingy defense. The Raiders rank first in the PSAC in points per game, averaging 75.6 points and they also rank second in defense, giving up 61.9 points per game.

“The success the team has been experiencing has been due to their focus, teamwork and ability to stay focused on the next game. Although it’s nice to be in first place, there is plenty of season remaining and we only look as far as the next opponent and keep a positive approach to everything we do,” SU basketball coach Kristy Trn said.

The SU women’s basketball team has nine games left, all PSAC matchups, with five of those games coming at home at Heiges Field House. The Raiders look to continue their success at school rival Bloomsburg University on Jan. 27.

Weather played a part in changing the athletic schedule for the Raiders, with Jan. 21’s matchup with East Stroudsburg University being postponed due to the massive snowstorm that hit the area over the weekend. The game against East Stroudsburg University will now be played on Monday, Feb. 1.

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