Youngstown -- Seven
Youngstown State seniors - six seniors and the team manager - will
take part in their final game at Beeghly Center Saturday when the
Penguins host Valparaiso. Tipoff against the Crusaders is set for
2:05 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on NewsRadio 570 WKBN and
the HLN.
YSU lost 61-42 to Butler on Thursday evening,
but the Guins continued to show their improvement. YSU trailed by
five at halftime after being down 42-14 at the break when the teams
played on Jan. 5.
The Penguins played another strong first half
against Butler, and they've been within five points at
halftime in five straight contests. The Guins have also been within
six points or leading at halftime in nine out of their last 10
games at Beeghly Center.
Tiara Scott is coming off her best scoring game
since Dec. 20. She scored a team-high 14 points against Butler on
Thursday.
All-Time Series
YSU owns a 13-11 lead in the all-time series
with Valpo. The teams competed in the Mid-Continent Conference from
1992-2001. YSU twice defeated the Valpo in the Mid-Con Tournament
Championship game - 1997-98 and 1999-2000. YSU lost 70-59 to Valpo
last season at home.
Seven Seniors to Be Honored
Seniors Kelsey Gurganus, Monique Godfrey, Tiara
Scott, Ashley Pendleton and Nikita LaFleur will all play in their
final home game today. Senior Velissa Vaughn, who has missed the
entire season with an injury, and manager Matt Lipcsak will also be
recognized in the pre-game "senior day" ceremony. Godfrey, LaFleur
Pendleton and Vaughn came to the program together in 2005-06.
Gurganus transferred from Southern Miss in 2006-07 and has played
the last two seasons. Scott made her debut in 2007-08 as a JUCO
transfer from Western Nebraska. Lipcsak is in his fifth season as
team manager.
Scouting Valpo
Valparaiso has locked up the No. 4 seed in the
Horizon League Tournament by defeating Cleveland State 70-52 on
Thursday. The Crusaders have won four their last five.
Up Next
YSU will play in the opening round of the
Horizon League Tournament on Monday at the No. 7 seed. Depending on
today's outcomes, YSU will play at UIC or at Milwaukee.
