University of the Sciences in Philadelphia
Women's Basketball  

Stories & Highlights
2004-05 season

Devils Lose to Holy Family in CACC Championship Game (3/5/05)

Shelby Rance scored 23 points for the University of the Sciences women's basketball team tonight, but the Devils fell short in their quest to repeat as Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Tournament Champions, falling to area rival Holy Family University 65-59 at Caldwell College.

With the loss , USP falls to 21-9 and will have to wait and see if they get an at-large bid to the NCAA Division II Tournament. By winning the game, the Tigers earn an automatic bid into the tournament. Seeding will be announced on Sunday night.

Joining Rance (So, Central Columbia HS/Bloomsburg, PA) in double figures were Leah Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/ Broomall, PA) and Rashanna Edwards (So, West Windsor-Plainsboro HS/ Plainsboro, NJ). Shumoski finished the game with 16 points and 11 rebounds, recording her 13th double-double of the season. Edwards added 11 points, all in the second half as the Devils fought back from a 10-point halftime deficit to keep the outcome in doubt until the final seconds of play.

Still trailing by 10 early in the second half, the Devils went on a 9-2 run to pull within three, 40-37 at the 15:46 mark. Shumoski started things off with a layup. Holy Family's Jamie Battinieri countered with a short jumper to boost the lead back to 10, 40-30. USP then rattled off seven straight points, two layups by Shumoski and a three-point field goal by Edwards to make the score 40-37.

The Tigers pushed the lead back up to seven 46-39 with a 6-2 run before the Devils once again pulled within three, 48-45 at the 10:19 mark with a 6-2 run of their own, getting baskets from Stephanie Watson (Jr., Archbishop Ryan HS/Warminster, PA), Edwards and a pair of free throws from Shumoski.

For the next 4:30 the Devils had opportunities but could get no closer. Trailing by six, 54-48, the USP defense kept the Tigers from scoring on three straight possessions only two turn the ball back over to their opponent each time down the floor. After the third straight turnover, the Tigers took advantage, getting a layup from Megan Bauer to go up by eight, 56-48 with 4:44 left.

USP countered with a short jumper by Rance and a layup by Mary Beth Christian (Fr., Villa Joseph Marie/Warrington, PA) to pull within four 56-52 with 2:30 left before the Tigers went on a 7-2 run to take a nine point lead with just 53 seconds left. Rance then banked in a three-point field goal from the left baseline to make the score 63-57 with just 42 seconds left. Holy Family's Kelly Killion then missed two free throws and the Devils were still alive. Shumoski nailed a 12 foot jumper to pull USP within four 63-59 with 24 seconds left. Now forced to foul, the Devils put Christine Kosiek on the line who made one of two giving the Devils another chance. USP failed to score and were forced to foul again as time wound down. The Tigers made one more free throw to provide the final margin of victory, 65-59.

The Devils shots 44.6% for the game (25-56) including a 53.6% (15-28) effort in the second half. The Tigers connected on 38.7% (24-62) of their shots from the field. Holy Family held a huge advantage on the free throw line, connecting on 13 of 22 shots (59.1%) to the Devils 4-for-9 (44.1%).

For the Tigers, Battinieri finished the game with 15 points, Killion with 14 and Dunek with 11.

USP's Shumoski and Rance were named to the All-Tournament Team.

Devils Defeat Bloomfield to Advance to CACC Championship (3/4/05)

The USP women’s basketball team scored on their first nine possessions as they dismantled a physical Bloomfield College squad 78-60 to advance to the CACC Championship game for the second consecutive year.

Leah Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/ Broomall, PA) and Shelby Rance (So, Central Columbia HS/Bloomsburg, PA) combined for 49 points, with Shumoski scoring a game-high 28 and Rance adding 21. The Devils are 5-0 in games when both Rance and Shumoski score 20 points in the same game. Stephanie Watson (Jr., Archbishop Ryan HS/Warminster, PA) joined Shumoski and Rance in double figures with 15 points.

The Devils scored the first nine points of the game and never looked back, taking a 17-2 lead just 4:02 into the game, building their margin to 17 by halftime, 46-29. The first half also saw two USP career marks fall as Shumoski first broke the career free throws made mark and followed it by becoming the Devils all-time leading scorer.

Shumoski needed to make three free throws to eclipse Renee Chimock’s mark of 367 set from 1992-95. Leah made her first two free throws at the 16:27 mark and followed with her record-setting free throw at the 11:31 mark, completing a three-point play and starting the Devils on a 14-2 run as they took their biggest lead of the half, 20 points, 37-17.

The Devils all-time scoring record fell at the conclusion of the run as Shumoski nailed a short jumper for her eighth and ninth points of the game at the 6:25 mark, bringing her career total to 1,353 and surpassing Chauntrelle Clayton (1,352) as the Devils all-time leader. Shumoski finished the game with 28 points to lead all scorers and bring her career total to 1,373.

USP opened the second half with an 8-4 run to take their biggest lead of the game, 21 points, 54-33 at the 15:26 mark. Watson started things off with a three-point field goal and Lori Wernik (So., Lower Cape May Twp. HS/Cape May, NJ) finished the run with a layup. Bloomfield fought back, going on a 14-4 run to cut the Devils lead to 11, 58-47 at the 11:28 mark. The Devils remained calm and promptly scored six straight points, all on free throws to go back up by 17, 64-47 with 9:56 left.

An 8-4 run by the Deacons cut the lead back down to 13, 68-55 before the Devils countered with a 6-0 run to lead 74-55 with 4:36 left in the game. Shumoski started this run with a pair of free throws, followed by a Rance layup. Leah then completed the run with a short jumper. It was smooth sailing for the Devils as they finished off the Deacons for the first time this season, 78-60.

USP is now 21-8 overall and will face Holy Family University in the CACC Championship game on Saturday, March 5, 2005 at Caldwell College.

Devils Defeat Felician in CACC Quarterfinals (3/2/05)

The University of the Sciences women's basketball team opened the post season with a 75-57 win over Felician College tonight at the Bobby Morgan Arena in Philadelphia, PA.

Leading the way for the Devils was Shelby Rance (So, Central Columbia HS/Bloomsburg, PA). Rance led all scorers with 25 points (17 in the first half). Shelby connected on 7 of 11 shots from the field and 10 of 12 from the free throw line. Joining Rance in double figures were Stephanie Watson (Jr., Archbishop Ryan HS/Warminster, PA) and Leah Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/ Broomall, PA). Watson, who had a career-high 25 points in the Devils last meeting vs. Felician on January 27, 2005 had 16 points tonight. Shumoski added 15 points, eight rebounds and five steals. Leah's five steals brings her total up to 104 this season, becoming only the second women's basketball player in school history to record 100 or more steals in a season. (Kim Koschineg had 115 in 97-98 and 143 in 98-99).

Danielle Norman was the only player in double figures for the Golden Falcons, scoring 21 points and pulling down 17 rebounds.

Felician kept things close in the first half and led early 12-11 before the Devils went on a 12-1 run to take a 10-point lead 23-13 midway through the period. The Devils still led by 10, 27-17 when Felician when on a 9-2 run to cut the lead to three 29-26 with four minutes to go in the half. The Devils closed out the half with a 17-2 run to take an 18-point lead into the lockerroom at the break, 46-28. Rance started things off with a three-point field goal while Shumoski followed with five straight points to boost the Devils lead back up to 11, 37-26. Rance followed with another basket and Rashanna Edwards (So, West Windsor-Plainsboro HS/Plainsboro, NJ) added a layup off her own steal to make the score 41-26. Edwards was intentionally fouled on the play and converted one of two free throws to make the score 42-26 with 1:00 left. Mary Beth Christian (Fr., Villa Joseph Marie/Warrington, PA) added a pair of free throws for USP's 15th straight point before Norman broke the run with two free throws of her own for the Golden Falcons. Watson closed out the half with a short jumper to make the score 46-28.

The Devils opened the half outscoring the Golden Falcons 12-6 to take their biggest lead of the game, 58-34 with 14:31 left. Felician then went on a 12-3 run to cut the lead to 15 61-46 with 8:49 left. This was as close as the Golden Falcons would get as the Devils, closed out the game outscoring Felician 15-11, making the final score. 76-57.

The Devils shot 42.9% from the field (24-56) while holding the Golden Falcons to just 28.8% shooting (21-73) from the field. Felician converted just two of 17 shots (11.8%)from three-point range and were 13 of 24 from the free throw line (54.2%). The took only four three point shots on the evening, making one and were 27 of 37 from the charity stripe (73.0%). Felician held the advantage on the boards, 52-44. (23-10 on the offensive glass).

USP improves to 20-8 with the win and advances to the CACC semi-finals where they will take on #2 seed Bloomfield College on Friday afternoon at Caldwell College. Felician ends their season with an 11-17 record.

Devils Defeated by Red-hot Tiger Squad (2/26/05)

The USP women's basketball team closed out their regular season Saturday evening, falling to CACC regular season champion Holy Family University 98-58.

The loss was the Devils worst defeat this season and the 40-point margin was the biggest since a 45-point loss to West Chester University (92-47) on February 9, 1998.

Shelby Rance (So, Central Columbia HS/Bloomsburg, PA) led the Devils with 17 points. Leah Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/ Broomall, PA) added 12 points while Mary Beth Christian (Fr., Villa Joseph Marie/Warrington, PA) came off the bench to chip in 10. Holy Family placed five players in double figures, led by Kelly Killion's 20 points and 11 assists.

The Devils defense could not stop the Tigers offense as Holy Family connected on 20 of 27 shots in the first half (74.1%) and finished the game shooting 66.7% (40-60). Conversely, the Devils made just 22 of 61 shots (36.1%).

The Tigers led wire-to-wire, although the Devils kept things close for the first 13 minutes of play. USP trailed by just four points, 26-22 when the Tigers went on a 24-8 run to close of the half and take a 20-point lead into the locker room at the break, 50-30.

The Tigers continued to build upon their lead in the second half, hitting open shot after open shot as the Devils defense appeared defunct, taking their biggest lead of 42 points, 92-50 with 5:16 left.

The loss drops the Devils to 19-8 overall,and finishing their regular season with a 17-5 conference record. The Devils as the #3 seed in the upcoming CACC playoffs will host Felician College on Wednesday, March 2, 2005. Tip-off time will be 7:30 p.m.

Devils Defeat Caldwell for Fifth Straight Win (2/22/05)

Shelby Rance and Leah Shumoski combined for 48 points as the USP women’s basketball team defeated host Caldwell College tonight, 78-63 for their 19th win and solidifying their playoff position.

Rance (So, Central Columbia HS/Bloomsburg, PA) led all scorers with 25 points on 11-for-17 shooting from the field (6-7 in the second half). Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/ Broomall, PA) recorded her second straight double-double and her 12th of the year with 23 points and a season high 18 rebounds. Leah also added three blocks, four steals and dished out six assists.

Shannon Coyle and Jenn Murray were the only two players in double figures for the Cougars, scoring 13 points apiece.

The Devils used a 12-0 run in the first half to erase a seven point Caldwell lead and never looked back, building a double-digit lead by the half. With the score 17-10 in favor of the Cougars, the Devils got a basket by Rance, followed by a four-point play by Rance and a layup by Lori Wernik (So., Lower Cape May Twp. HS/Cape May, NJ) in a 2:31 span to lead 18-17 at the 12:19 mark. Shumoski added a short jumper and Jan Kalafut (Jr, Bishop Hoban HS/Wilkes Barre, PA) chipped in a basket to complete the run and make the score 22-17 with 10:24 left. A 13-7 run gave the Devils an 11-point lead, 35-24 with just 4:55 left, a lead they would keep at the break, 43-32.

The Cougars opened the second half with a 7-2 run to pull within six, 45-39 at the 17:04 mark with Coyle’s three-point field goal capping off the run. USP responded with consecutive layups by Stephanie Watson (Jr., Archbishop Ryan HS/Warminster, PA) and Shumoski to go back up by 10, 49-39. Caldwell had cut the lead to eight, 55-47 at the 9:48 mark when the Devils went on a 12-2 run to give themselves some breathing room with an 18-point lead, 67-49 with 4:52 left.

Rance started the run with a 16 foot jumper, followed by a Hayley Lentz (Fr., Wilson Area HS/Easton, PA) layup. After Caldwell’s Phylicia Holmes made a layup to pull the Cougars back within 10, the Devils got four straight baskets, two from Rance and one each from Shumoski and Lentz to take their biggest lead of the game. USP still led by 18, 71-53 with just 3:51 left when Caldwell went on a 10-3 run to cut the margin to 11, 74-63 with 1:07 left. The Devils then got a wide open layup from Lauren Kressaty (Fr., Wayne Valley HS/Wayne, NJ) and a pair of free throws by Rashanna Edwards (So, West Windsor-Plainsboro HS/Plainsboro, NJ) to round out the scoring and make the final margin 15 points, 78-63.

For the third time in the last five games, the Devils shot over 50% from the field for the game, connecting on 30 of 54 shots (55.6%). Caldwell shot 24-for-65 (36.9%) from the field. Both teams attempted 19 free throws with the Devils making 14 to the Cougars 10. USP also held a slight advantage on the boards, 39-37 and had 20 assists to just 13 turnovers.

The Devils are now 19-7 overall and 17-4 in league play. With the win, USP can finish no worse than third place in the league and will host a playoff game on March 2, 2005 against an opponent to be determined. Tipoff time will be 7:30 p.m.

Devils Cruise to Fourth Straight Win (2/19/05)

Leah Shumoski recorded her 11th double-double of the season and Stephanie Watson reached double figures for the second straight game as the USP Women's Basketball team cruised to their fourth straight win, 67-37 over Nyack College this afternoon at the Bobby Morgan Arena.

Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/ Broomall, PA), two games removed from her triple-double performance on Tuesday night, scored 21 points and pulled down 10 rebounds. In addition, Leah blocked four shots and had three steals. Watson (Jr., Archbishop Ryan HS/Warminster, PA) had 14 points and pulled down six rebounds. Mary Beth Christian (Fr., Villa Joseph Marie/Warrington, PA) came off the bench to score nine points without missing a shot (3-3 FG, 3-3 FT).

Tamyra Lathon was the lone Nyack player in double figures with 13 points.

The Devils held the Warriors to just 14 field goals on 59 shots (23.7%) and just 2 of 14 from beyond the three-point arc (14.3%). The Devils connected on 23 of 59 shots from the field (39.0%). USP held the advantage on the boards, 47-36 and committed just 11 turnovers to Nyack's 16.

For the second straight game, the Devils led wire-to-wire, using a 31-9 run midway through the first period to turn a close game into a 22-point advantage, 37-15 with 3:04 left. Nyack outscored the devils 8-4 to close out the period, giving the devils a 41-23 lead at the break.

The Devils opened the second half with an 8-2 run, getting baskets from Shelby Rance (So, Central Columbia HS/Bloomsburg, PA), Watson, Shumoski and a pair of free throws from Rashanna Edwards (So, West Windsor-Plainsboro HS/ Plainsboro, NJ) to take a 49-25 lead at the 16:27 mark. Sixteen seconds later, a Nyack bucket cut the lead to 22, which would be as close as the Warriors would get. The Devils built their lead to as many as 33 before settling for the 30-point win, 67-37.

USP honored their two senior players, Jackie McGinness (Sr., Kennedy-Kenrick HS/ Norristown, PA) and Jan Kalafut (Jr, Bishop Hoban HS/Wilkes Barre, PA), in a short ceremony prior to the game. McGinness is a four year player and co-captain of this year's team. Kalafut has been part of the Devils program the past three years after transferring into USP from Temple.

USP is now 18-7 overall and 16-4 in league play. Nyack falls to 3-21 overall, 3-17 in league play. The Devils take to the road for their next game, a crucial league matchup against Caldwell College on Tuesday, February 22, 2005.

Rance, Devils Tame Lions (2/17/05)

Shelby Rance scored 26 points as the University of the Sciences women's basketball team shot a season high 57.4% from the field to defeat the Georgian Court University Lions, 89-57 tonight at the Bobby Morgan Arena.

The Devils connected on 39 of 68 shots from the field to record their season high of 57.4% shooting. The Lions made just 18 of 57 shots from the field (31.6%)

Rance (So, Central Columbia HS/Bloomsburg, PA) connected on 11 of 18 shots from the field and made four of five free throws to lead all scorers. Shelby also pulled down five rebounds and recorded four steals. Three other Devils joined Rance in reaching double figures in scoring: Stephanie Watson (Jr., Archbishop Ryan HS/Warminster, PA) (13 points); Leah Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/ Broomall, PA) (11 points) and Rashanna Edwards (So, West Windsor-Plainsboro HS/ Plainsboro, NJ) (10 points). Watson was 6-for-9 (1 3pt. FG) and had a game-high five assists. Shumoski turned in another steady performance, pulling down a team-high six rebounds, recording six steals, two blocks and two assists while shooting 4-for-10 from the field. Edwards connected on five of eight shots to account for her 10 points. Lori Wernik (So., Lower Cape May Twp. HS/Cape May, NJ) also recorded five assists, equally Watson's game-high mark.

Lauren Meyer (19 points) led three Georgian Court players in double figures. Melissa Elsbree and Stephanie Longdo each had 11 to help pace the Lions.

The Devils led wire-to-wire, opening the game by scoring the first 10 points and never looked back, leading by a double-digit margin for most of the first period. Georgian Court's three-point shooting did keep them from falling behind by no more than 15 at any given time in the period. The Lions connected on six of eight shots from beyond the arc, but made just four field goals from 19 feet or less, finishing the half shooting 10-for-26 (38.5%).

The Devils finished the half, the same way they started it, scoring 10 straight points in the final 1:48 to boost an 11 point lead, 43-32 to 21 points, 53-32 at the break. Watson started this run with a three-point field goal with 1:36 left and Rance followed with a layup and was fouled. Rance made the free throw to complete the three-point play and then added another layup off her own steal at the 1:02 mark. Watson then ended the run with a layup with just two ticks on the clock to complete the 10-0 run.

In the second half, USP used a 17-6 run to build their advantage to 31 points, 74-43 with 8:36 left. Five minutes later, the devils had their biggest lead, 35 points, 87-52. The Lions outscored the devils 5-2 over the final 3:18 to make the final score 89-57.

The Devils defense held the Lions to just eight second half field goals on 31 shots (25.8%). After allowing six '3-balls' in the first half, USP held the Lions to an 0-for-7 effort from beyond the arc in the second half. The Devils also finished the game with a slight advantage on the boards, 39-34 and committed just 15 turnovers to the Lions 26.

USP improved to 17-7 overall and 15-4 in league play, solidifying their third place position in the league standings. Georgian Court dropped to 4-20 overall and 3-17 in league play.

The Devils will have their final regular season home game on Saturday, February 19, 2005 when they host the Warriors of Nyack College.

Rance, Shumoski Star as Devils Defeat Lightning (2/15/05)

Shelby Rance scored a season high 31 points and Leah Shumoski became just the second women's basketball player in school history to record a triple-double as the Devils defeated Goldey Beacom College 80-70 this evening.

Rance (So, Central Columbia HS/Bloomsburg, PA) connected on 13 of 17 shots from the field including five of seven from beyond the three-point line. Shelby also added seven rebounds. Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/ Broomall, PA) finished the game with 13 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists to record the "triple-double". Leah also added two blocks and three steals on the night. Shumoski becomes the first women's basketball player to record a triple-double since Kim Koschineg did the feat twice in the 1997-98 season.

Lori Wernik (So., Lower Cape May Twp. HS/Cape May, NJ) joined Rance and Shumoski in double figures with 12 points. In addition Wernik pulled down six boards. Kim Rowley and Toni Jones paced the Lightning with 25 and 18 points respectively. Both Rowley and Jones pulled down 11 rebounds apiece to record double-doubles on the evening.

The Lightning got off to a fast start, scoring the first eight points of the game and eventually taking an 11-point lead, 23-12 with 12:54 left in the half. The Devils then went on an 11-2 run over the next 3:06 to pull within two 25-23. Rance started the run with a short jumper and the Lightning's Tiffany Ervin countered. Shumoski and Wernik then added baskets and Rashanna Edwards (So, West Windsor-Plainsboro HS/Plainsboro, NJ) (8 points, six assists) nailed a three-point field goal to end the run.

After Michelle Azzanesi made a three-point field goal of her own to boost Goldey's lead back to five, 28-23, Rance scored six straight points to give the Devils their first lead 29-28 with 7:21 left. The Lightning kept things close the remainder of the half until the final 31 seconds. With the Devils leading by three, 40-37, Shumoski made a layup and was fouled. Leah converted the free throw for the three-point play. Rance then nailed her second '3-ball' of the game with just two seconds left to make the score 46-37 at the break.

Both teams shot exceptionally well in the first half with the Lightning making 57.1% (16-28) of their shots from the field to the Devils 52.6% (20-38).

In the second half, the Devils put the game out of reach with a 17-2 run to take their biggest lead of the game, 20 points, 65-45 with 13 minutes left. Shumoski's basket at the 17:33 mark started things off. Rance, Edwards and Wernik followed with baskets to make the score 56-43. Rance then connected on three straight three point field goals to complete the run.

USP maintained their double-digit lead throughout the remainder of the game, although the Lightning made a final run, outscoring the Devils 10-3 over the final 2:57 to make the final margin 10 points, 80-70.

The Devils finished the game shooting 43.4% from the field (33-76). USP also shot 54.5% from three-point range (6-11). Goldey Beacom connected on 48.3% of their shots from the field (28-58). The Devils held the edge on the boards 41-35 and worked the ball well on offense, recording 27 assists.

USP is now 16-7 overall and 14-4 in league play. The Lightning drop to 5-18 overall and 4-14 in league play. Next up for USP is another home conference matchup on Thursday, February 17, 2005 as the Lions of Georgian Court University come to town.

Charged Up Devils Defeat Dominican (2/12/05)

Solid second half play helped the USP women’s basketball team snap a two-game losing streak this afternoon as the came from behind to defeat the Dominican College Chargers, 70-61 at the Hennessy Center.

Shelby Rance (So, Central Columbia HS/Bloomsburg, PA) led three Devils in double figures with a game high 22 points. Leah Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/Broomall, PA) added 20 points and Lori Wernik (So., Lower Cape May Twp. HS/Cape May, NJ) chipped in 10. Jackie Tracy led four Dominican players in double figures with 15 points followed by Ashley Rossi’s 13.

Rance was also the Devils leading rebounder with five while Rashanna Edwards (So, West Windsor-Plainsboro HS/Plainsboro, NJ) paced the Devils with six assists and four steals. Rance also added four assists, three steals and a blocked shot while Shumoski dished out five assists and had one steal.

The host Chargers held a slim 37-36 lead at the break, but the Devils opened the final period with an 8-2 run to take a 44-39 lead. The Chargers regained their one point lead with a 7-1 run to lead 46-45 at the 14:16 mark only to have the Devils retake the lead again 47-46 on a Mary Beth Christian (Fr., Villa Joseph Marie/Warrington, PA) layup from Edwards.

USP continued to hold onto the lead building it to as many as four, 53-49 at the 9:08 mark before the Chargers scored 7 straight points to take a 56-53 lead with 6:18 left. USP bounced right back with four straight points, all by Shumoski to retake the lead 57-56 at the 4:38 mark. Rossi countered with a short baseline jumper to put Dominican back on top 58-57 with 4:16 to go, their last lead of the game. USP closed the game out with a 13-3 run over the final 4:16 to seal the nine-point win.

Shumoski started the run with a steal and a layup followed by another layup off a Dominican turnover to put the Devils up by three, 61-58 with 2:41 left. Edwards followed with a big three-point field goal from the left baseline to make the margin six, 64-58 with just 2:02 left. Rossi made one of two free throws as followed with a layup after a defensive stop to pull back within three, 64-61. On the Devils next possession, Shumoski drove baseline for a layup and was fouled by Jill Younghans. Shumoski’s free throw was short but went off Rossi’s fingertips out of bounds, giving the Devils the ball back with 50 seconds left and a five-point lead 66-61. After Rossi turned the ball over, Dominican was forced to foul, putting Rance on the free throw line, twice. Shelby connected on four straight free throws to make the final score 70-61.

The Devils put their shooting doldrums of the last two games behind them, shooting 55.l2% (16-29) in the first half and 50% (28-56) for the game. The Chargers finished the game shooting 38.2% (21-55). Dominican also held a slight advantage on the boards 36-31, with the bigger advantage coming on the offensive boards, 13-5. USP made 11 of 15 free throws (73.3%) to the Chargers 16-for-24 (66.7%).

USP is now 15-7 overall and 13-4 in league play. Dominican drops to 11-11 overall, 9-8 in CACC action.

Next up for the Devils is a home contest against Goldey Beacom College on Tuesday, February 15, 2005.

Highlanders Hand Devils Second Consecutive Loss (2/5/05)

The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) Lady Highlanders handed the USP women’s basketball team their second consecutive loss this afternoon, 61-44.

The Devils could not recover from a disastrous first half where they connected on just four of 17 shots (23.5%) from the field and trailed by 21 points at the break, 41-20. Conversely, NJIT shot 62.5% for the period (15-24). Twelve of USP’s first half points came from the foul line, where the Devils shot 12 for 14 (85.7%).

Shelby Rance (So., Central Columbia HS/ Bloomsburg, PA) paced the Devils with 15 points and six rebounds. Rance, while shooting only 3-for-12 from the field, made nine of 11 free throws to account for her 15 points. Joining Rance in double figures was Rashanna Edwards (So., West Windsor-Plainsboro HS/ Plainsboro, NJ) with 11 points. Seven of Edwards’ 11 points came in the second half.

NJIT built a 22-3 lead in the first 10 minutes of play as the Devils failed to score a field goal until Leah Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/Broomall, PA) put back her own miss at the 9:54 mark and was fouled in the process. Shumoski completed the three-point play and Rance added a pair of free throws 20 seconds later to pull the Devils within 14, 22-8. This was as close as the Devils would get as the Highlanders outscored USP 19-12 over the remaining 9:34 to lead by 21 at the break.

NJIT scored the first six points of the second period to go up by 27, 47-20 before Lori Wernik (So., Lower Cape May Regional HS/Cape May, NJ) sank a short jumper and Edwards had a fast break layup to cut the lead to 23, 47-24. This was as close as USP would get until late in the game when the outcome was already decided. With the score 57-30, the Devils went on a 9-0 run to bring the deficit under 20 points, 57-39 with just 4:08 remaining. Edwards started things off with a layup and then the Devils made seven straight free throws to complete the run. USP scored five of the final nine points in the game to make the final score 61-44.

The Devils have a long break next week as their next game will take place on Saturday, February 12, 2005 at Dominican College.

Offense Sputters as Devils Fall to Bloomfield (2/3/05)

As hot as the University of the Sciences women's basketball were in the second half of Tuesday's game against Wilmington, the Devils were equally as cold tonight as Bloomfield College snapped their three-game winning streak, 68-51.

USP shot a season low 23.6% from the field, connecting on only 13 of 55 shots from the field. The Devils made 23 of 30 free throws (76.7%) to Bloomfield's 22-for-34 (64.7%) and were outrebounded 51-44 (21-15 on the offensive glass).

The Devils were led by Leah Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/Broomall, PA). Shumoski who played the final seven minutes with an injured hand, finished the contest with a game-high 20 points and a game high 15 rebounds, for her tenth double-double of the season. With her 20-point performance, Shumoski moves into sixth place on the USP all-time women's basketball scoring list with 1,222 points passing Alison Hargadon (1998-2002). Leah also recorded four blocked shots and had two steals.

Keir Dargon came off the bench to lead the Deacons with 16 points ands 11 rebounds. Domenica Raymond added 12 points and Shantae Barnes chipped in 11. Marissa Franklin also grabbed 11 rebounds before fouling out for the eighth time this season.

The Devils did not hold a lead for a single second in the entire first half, yet took a 25-24 lead into the locker room at the break, courtesy of a free throw by Jan Kalafut (Jr, Bishop Hoban HS/Wilkes Barre, PA) after time expired. The lead was short lived as Bloomfield opened the first half with three straight baskets to take a 30-25 lead. Shumoski broke the streak with a short jumper at the 17:16 mark to pull the Devils within three 30-27.

USP still trailed by two 32-30 when Bloomfield went on a 13-0 run to take command of the game, 45-30 with 7:53 left. Shumoski's early field goal was still USP's only basket of the half until the 5:56 mark, an 11 minute-20 second drought without a field goal. At this point, Bloomfield had built their biggest lead of the game, 19 points, 51-32. Shumoski added a pair of layups to make the score 53-36 with five minutes remaining. Leah's last layup at the 5:06 mark started an 8-0 USP run to pull the Devils within 11, 52-43 with just 3:45 left. Bloomfield hit 15 of 18 free throws in the final three minutes of play to seal USP's fate and hand the Devils their third conference loss of the season.

The Devils are now 14-6 overall and 12-3 in league play, falling to third place behind Bloomfield (14-6, 13-2).

USP takes to the road for their next match as they travel to Newark, New Jersey to take on the New Jersey Institute of Technology in a CACC matchup on Saturday, February 5, 2005.

Strong Shooting Effort Helps Devils Down Wilmington (2/1/05)

The University of the Sciences women's basketball team connected on 18 of 32 shots in the second half as they turned a nine-point halftime lead into a 75-54 win over Wilmington College earlier tonight, sweeping the season series from the Wildcats.

For the first time in nine games, the Devils finished the game shooting over 50% from the field, connecting on 35 of 66 shots for the game (53%). USP, however shot just 50% from the free throw line (5-10) and failed to make a three-point field goal (0-4). Wilmington made just 21 of 55 shots (38.2%) from the field and 8 of 10 from the free throw line. The Wildcats also were 4-12 from beyond the three point arc, going 0-for-5 in the second half after connecting of 4 of 7 in the opening period.

Shelby Rance (So., Central Columbia HS/ Bloomsburg, PA) and Leah Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/Broomall, PA) paced the Devils with 23 points apiece. Rance shot 10-for-21 from the field and was a perfect 3-for-3 from the free throw line. Shelby also had a game high nine rebounds, dished out three assists and had three steals. Shumoski made 11 of 17 shots from the field along with a free throw to account for her 23 points. Leah also had five rebounds, three assists, three blocks and three steals.

Joining Shumoski and Rance is double figures was Jan Kalafut (Jr, Bishop Hoban HS/Wilkes Barre, PA). Starting only for the second time this season, Kalafut responded with 10 points (six in the second half) on 5-for-8 shooting. In addition, Kalafut also pulled down five rebounds. Starters Lori Wernik (So., Lower Cape May Regional HS/Cape May, NJ) and Rashanna Edwards (So., West Windsor-Plainsboro HS/ Plainsboro, NJ) along with Lauren Kressaty (Fr., Wayne Valley HS/Wayne, NJ) coming off the bench also produced solid efforts for the Devils, winners of three straight. Wernik had six points, six assists and seven rebounds while Edwards had one of her best games this season, dishing out eight assists while turning the ball over only once to go along with her five points. Kressaty gave the Devils 12 good minutes off the bench, connecting on three of four shots from the field, tying her career high of six points, as well as recording three assists and two steals.

USP set the tone for the night right from the opening tap as Shumoski decisively blocked the Wildcats first shot of the game just 17 seconds after the opening tap and later scored the first four points of the game, giving the Devils a lead they would never relinquish. The Wildcats did not go away quietly as the game progressed, staying within three to seven points of the Devils for most of the period. USP extended their lead lead to 10, 29-19 with 4:24 to go in the period and took a nine-point lead, 35-26 into the locker room at the break.

The Wildcats scored the first two baskets of the second half to pull within five, 35-30. USP then went on a 10-5 run to build their lead back up to double digits, 45-35 with 15:35 left. After Wilmington cut the lead to seven, 45-38 at the 14:31 mark, the Devils went on a 10-2 run to take a 15 point lead, 55-40 midway through the period. Shumoski and Kalafut each had four points during the run and Rance added a bucket to complete the scoring outburst.

USP still led by 14 with 4:46 left when the put the game away, going on a 9-2 run to close out the game. Edwards started things off with a layup at the 4:24 mark followed by a Kressaty jumper at the 3:07 mark making the score 70-52. Rance added a layup and a free throw to complete a three-point play and Kressaty added a basket at the 1:40 mark to round out the scoring for USP. Kelly Sammons hit a jumper for the Wildcats with 38 seconds left to make the final score 75-54.

Andrea Jones led Wilmington with 20 points while Katelin Klingert added 11 and Michelle Whalen chipped in nine.

USP improves to 14-5 overall with the win and 12-2 in CACC games this season. Next up for the Devils will be a home game against Bloomfield College, a team that handed the Devils their first conference road loss in 14 games going back to the start of last season, on Thursday, February 3, 2005.

Rance, Shumoski Lead Devils to Win over Post University (1/29/05)

Shelby Rance and Leah Shumoski combined for 39 points as the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia Women's basketball team defeated Post University 70-55 in a CACC conference game at the Bobby Morgan Arena this afternoon.

Rance (So., Central Columbia HS/ Bloomsburg, PA) had a team-high 21 points, on 5-for-14( 4 three-point FG) shooting from the field and 7-for-8 from the foul line. Shelby also had six rebounds, dished out four assists and had three steals. Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/Broomall, PA) connected on 9 of 16 shots from the field for 18 points. In addition, Leah pulled down 10 rebounds for her second consecutive double-double. Shumoski also had a pair of blocked shots to go along with three steals. Lori Wernik (So., Lower Cape May Regional HS/Cape May, NJ) rounded out the double figure scorers for the Devils, chipping in 10 points. Post's Tadj Williams was the lone Eagle in double figures, recording a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

The Devils took command early. After a Post basket to open the game, USP went on a 12-2 run to take a 12-4 lead. Three point field goals by Rance and Stephanie Watson (Jr., Archbishop Ryan HS/Warminster, PA) highlighted the run. Post scored the next six points to pull within two 12-10 midway through the period. The Devils then used a 14-0 run to take a double-digit lead 26-10 with 4:38 remaining. Rance scored the first six points of the run with three free throws and her second '3-ball' of the half. Two baskets by Shumoski, a short jumper by Wernik and a pair of free throws by Lauren Kressaty (Fr., Wayne Valley HS/Wayne, NJ) rounded out the scoring during the run. Rance added a third three-point field goal at the 2:45 mark to give the Devils their biggest lead of the half, 19 points, 31-12. Post's Deena Wilson, Jennifer Plante and Williams each had a basket in the final 2:30 cutting the Devils lead to 17, 35-18 at the break.

The Eagles opened the second half with an 8-2 run to pull within 11, 37-26. Williams had four of the Eagles eight points during the run. The Devils still led by 11, 57-46 at the 7:14 mark when they went on a 12-4 run (two 6-0 runs with a 4-0 Post run in between)over the next four minutes to take equal their biggest lead of the game, 19 points, 69-50. Shumoski opened the run with a layup, Rance followed with a pair of free throws and Rashanna Edwards (So., West Windsor-Plainsboro HS/ Plainsboro, NJ) followed with a short jumper to make the score 63-46. Wilson and Courtney McGinnis then added baskets to make the score 63-50. Rance then added the last of her 21 points with a pair of free throws and Shumoski the last of her 18 points with two layups, the last one coming with 3:14 left. Post outscored the Devils 5-1 over the final 3:14 to make the final score 70-55.

While the Devils shooters were having an off day from the field (23-64, 35.9%) their defense held Post to just 31.7% shooting from the field 20-63) and 0-for-5 from three point range, the second consecutive game and third in the last four in which they did not give up a three point field goal. USP opponents have shot just 4-for-34 (11.7%)from three-point range over the last four games. Post held the edge on the boards 50-41 while both teams were fairly even from the free throw line with the Devils making 19-of-25 (76%) and post making 15 of 20 (75%).

In sweeping the season series from the Eagles, the Devils improve their record to 13-5 overall and 11-2 in league play. Post falls to 4-12 overall and 4-9 in league play. Next up for the Devils will be a CACC road game at Wilmington College on Tuesday, February 1, 2005.

Watson Sparks Devils to Win at Felician.(1/27/05)

Stephanie Watson came off the bench to score as career-high 25 points as the USP women’s basketball team defeated Felician College 70-59 tonight in Rutherford, New Jersey.

Watson (Jr., Archbishop Ryan HS/Warminster, PA) scored 15 of her 25 points in the second half as the Devils overcome a slight halftime deficit to outscore the Golden Falcons 38-25 in the period for their 12th win of the season. Watson connected on 7 of 14 shots from the field and was 8 for 11 from the free throw line. Stephanie also pulled down 13 rebounds for her first collegiate double-double.

Also recording a double-double for the Devils was Leah Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/Broomall, PA). Shumoski scored 20 points and pulled down 13 rebounds. Leah made 7 of 12 shots from the field and was 6 of 8 from the free throw line. In addition, Shumoski dished out seven assists. Shelby Rance (So., Central Columbia HS/ Bloomsburg, PA) also shot 7 of 12 from the field and 2-for-2 from the free throw line to finish the game with 16 points. Together, Watson, Shumoski and Rance accounted for 61 of the Devils 70 points.

Trailing 34-32 at the start of the second period, Watson started the Devils on a 17-5 run to take command of the game. Her three-point field goal at the 18:32 mark and a layup 36 seconds later started the period, giving the Devils a 37-34 lead. After a basket by Felician cut the lead to one, Shumoski took a Rance pass in for a layup and was fouled. Leah made the free throw to complete the 3-point play. Danielle Norman’s layup cut the Devils lead to two, 40-38 before the Devils scored nine of the next 10 points to take a double digit lead 49-39 with 12:18 left. Rance had four of the nine points and Rashanna Edwards (So., West Windsor-Plainsboro HS/ Plainsboro, NJ) nailed a three-point field goal to highlight the run.

Felician scored the next four points to pull within six, 49-43 with 10:50 left. The Devils then went on a 10-2 run to take their biggest lead, 14 points, 59-45 with 7:46 left in the game. Watson’s two three-point field goals highlighted the run. The Devils maintained their double-digit advantage for nearly the remainder of the game, with the Golden Falcons cutting it to single digits at the 1:49 mark, 65-57 only to have the Devils go back up by 10, 67-57 28 seconds on a pair of free throws by Watson. Rance added an uncontested layup off the Devils half-court offense and Shumoski knocked down a free throw to round out the second half scoring.

The Devils shot 50% from the field in the second half (13-26) and finished the game making 25 of 52 shots from the field (48.1%). USP: was also 4-for-9 from three-point range. Felician shot 36.2% from the field (21-58) including 0-for-10 from 3-point range. Felician held a slight edge on the boards 36-33 (14-7 on the offensive glass).

USP is now 12-5 overall and 10-2 in league play. Next up for the Devils is a home contest against Post University on Saturday, January 29, 2005.

Tigers Easily Defeat Devils (1/22/05)

In a battle between the top two teams in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference, the Holy Family University Women's Basketball team remained undefeated in conference play, easily defeating the host USP Devils 77-45 at the Bobby Morgan Arena today, snapping the Devils six game winning streak.

USP shot a season low 30.9% (21-68) while the Tigers were as hot from the field as the devils were cold, connecting on 55.0% of their shots (33-60), a season high by Devils opponents. Holy Family also held the rebound edge 45-32.

Mary Beth Christian (Fr., Villa Joseph Marie/Warrington, PA) led the Devils with a career high 12 points, connecting on six of nine shots from the field. Christian was the lone Devil in double figures. Holy Family placed five players in double figures led by Lindsey Sock (15 points-all in the first half); Jamie Battinieri (13 points); and sisters Kim and Kelly Killion (11 points each).

Battinieri and Sock led the Tigers with 7 rebounds apiece while Leah Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/Broomall, PA) grabbed 8 for the Devils. Shumoski also dished out a team high four assists and had four steals and seven points. Rashanna Edwards (So., West Windsor-Plainsboro HS/ Plainsboro, NJ) added eight points and Shelby Rance (So., Central Columbia HS/ Bloomsburg, PA) had six.

A 10-0 run in the first half was all the Tigers needed to take command of the game. USP led 8-7 at the 15:11 mark. Five straight baskets by the Tigers changed the complexion of the game and put the momentum in their court as the Tigers took a 17-8 lead with 10:36 left. Shumoski's layup at the 9:28 mark ended the Holy Family run - but that did not stop the Tigers offense. Leading by seven with 6:21 left in the half, The Tigers closed out the period with a 17-4 run to take a 20-point lead, 39-19 into the locker room at the break.

The Devils could get no closer in the second half as the Tigers used a 15-2 run midway through the period to built their lead to 34, 61-27, before settling in for the 32-point win 77-45. The 77 points given up by the Devils are the most scored by a USP opponent this season.

The loss drops the Devils to 11-5 overall and 9-2 in league play. Holy Family improves to 12-4 overall, 11-0 in the league.

The Devils will be on the road for their next game, a Thursday night matchup at Felician on January 27, 2005 before returning home to take on Post university on Saturday, January 29, 2005.

Devils Win Streak at Six (1/18/05)

Shelby Rance scored 19 points and Leah Shumoski recorded her seventh double-double of the season with 15 point and 11 rebounds as the Devils defeated Caldwell College 57-50 earlier tonight for their sixth straight win.

Rance (So., Central Columbia HS/ Bloomsburg, PA) connected on 8 of 18 shots for the game and also paced the Devils in steals and assists with 5 and 4 respectively. Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/Broomall, PA) was 5 of 13 from the field and 5 of 7 from the free throw line. Leah also recorded four blocked shots and three steals.

The game was a game of streaks. USP took early command of the contest with 10 straight points to lead 12-2 with 13:38 left in the half, only to have Caldwell come back to tie the score at 17-17 at the 8:07 mark. The Cougars even held a brief lead, 21-20 with 6:41 left only to have the Devils regain it on a Shumoski jumper at the 6:20 mark. The score was tied at 23-23 when the Devils went on a 10-2 run over the final 3:40 to close out the half leading by eight, 33-25. Stephanie Watson (Jr., Archbishop Ryan HS/Warminster, PA) provided the spark during the run, with six points on two field goals and two free throws.

Both teams exchanged baskets in the early minutes of the second half and the Devils still led by eight, 37-29 with 15:50 to go when they went on a 12-4 run to take their biggest lead of the game, 16, 49-33 with 11:35 remaining. Shumoski started the run with a basket as she was fouled. Leah converted the free throw for the three-point play to make the score 40-29. Hayley Lentz (Fr., Wilson Area HS/Easton, PA) followed with a put-back at the 14:33 mark to make the score 42-29. A Cougar layup by Cecilia Green followed and was countered by a short jumper by Shumoski. Phylicia Holmes then added a pair of free throws before Shay Nelson (Fr., Cumberland Regional HS/Millville, NJ) made a fast break layup and was fouled . Nelson made the free throw to complete the three point play and Rashanna Edwards (So., West Windsor-Plainsboro HS/ Plainsboro, NJ) completed the run with a layup of a Rance pass to give the Devils a 49-33 lead.

Caldwell followed the USP run with an 8-0 run of their own over the next 4:17 to cut the Devils lead in half, 49-41 with 7:18 to go. The Devils put the Cougars on the foul line three times during the run with Caldwell making four of six free throws. The free throws, coupled by a layup by Melissa Shubiak and a jumper by Jenn Murray forced the Devils Head Coach Nate Ware to call a timeout and settle his team down.

The timeout seemed to work as Watson, Rance and Shumoski each scored a bucket to put the Devils back up by 14, 55-41 with 3:40 to go. From this point the Devils hung on as the Cougars outscored USP 9-2 over the final 3:40 to make the final score respectable, 57-50.

Despite shooting 34.5% in the second half, the Devils finished the game shooting 40.7% (22-54) from the field and 68.4% from the free throw line. Both teams were a combined 0-for-14 from three-point range. Caldwell held a slight rebounding edge 37-36.

Dana Leary led the Cougars with 19 points and 12 rebounds while Holmes added 10.

USP is now 11-4 overall and 9-1 in the conference. The Devils are in sole possession of second place in the CACC, one-half game behind Holy Family who handily defeated Bloomfield College earlier tonight.

Devils Win Big at Nyack (1/15/05)

Shelby Rance scored 22 points as one of three players in double figures to lead University of the Sciences Women’s basketball team to an 82-58 win over host Nyack College this afternoon.

Rance (So., Central Columbia HS/ Bloomsburg, PA) connected on 8 of 14 shots from the field, including three of six from three-point range. Shelby also pulled down seven rebounds and dished out five assists. Joining Rance in double figures were Stephanie Watson (Jr., Archbishop Ryan HS/Warminster, PA) and Leah Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/Broomall, PA). Shumoski had 14 points, five rebounds and six assists while Watson had 16 points, one shy of tying her career high, which coincidentally was set in the same gym as today's game nearly two years ago. Watson also had a team-high five steals.

The Devils used a 17-1 run in the first half to take control of the game. Rance started the run with a three-point field goal at the 16:48 mark, breaking a 4-4 tie. Shumoski followed with a pair of baskets and Rance added another three-pointer and a basket to give USP a double-digit lead, 16-5. Lori Wernik (So., Lower Cape May Regional HS/Cape May, NJ) followed with a jumper at the 12:47 mark and Watson competed the run with a three-point play.

USP still led 34-21 with 5:45 to go in the half when they went on an 11-0 run to take a commanding 45-21 lead with 1:57 left before settling in for a 47-26 lead at half time.

In the second half, the Devils continued to control the tempo of the game, eventually building their biggest lead of 35 points, 73-38. with 7:22 to go. Nearly two and a half minutes later, Rashanna Edwards (So., West Windsor-Plainsboro HS/Plainsboro, NJ) had a layup off a steal for the Devils last field goal of the game, making the score 77-46 with 4:58 left. Nyack outscored USP in the final 4:58, 12-5 with all of USP’s points coming on free throws, making the final score 82-58. Lauren Kressaty (Fr., Wayne Valley HS/Wayne, NJ) made four free throws in the final 2:14 and finished the game going a perfect 6-for-6 from the line for a career-high six points.

With the win, the Devils improve to 10-4 overall and 8-1 in CACC action, remaining a half game behind first place Holy Family University who defeated Post University earlier today.

The Devils return to the friendly confines of the Bobby Morgan Arena for their next game, a CACC contest against Caldwell College on Tuesday, January 18, 2004.

Devils Cruise to their Fourth Straight Win (1/13/05)

Leah Shumoski recorded her third consecutive double-double as the University of the Sciences women's basketball team cruised to their fourth straight win, 68-47 over host Georgian Court University earlier tonight.

Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/Broomall, PA) had 20 points on 8 of 18 shooting from the field and a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line to pace the Devils. Leah also led the Devils in rebounding, pulling down 11 rebounds. In addition, Shumoski, the CACC steals leader, recorded four steals, three assists and had one blocked shot.

Joining Shumoski in double figures for the sixth consecutive game was Shelby Rance (So., Central Columbia HS/ Bloomsburg, PA). Rance scored 14 points, pulled down six rebounds and had a pair of blocked shots. Rance has now reached double figures in scoring in 12 of 13 games this season including the last 11 straight games, while Shumoski has performed the feat 11 times in 13 games including the last six straight. In the last four games, the Devils dynamic duo of Shumoski and Rance have accounted for nearly 57% of USP's offense.

The Devils led wire-to-wire, building a 22-point lead at the half 41-19 by shooting 44.7% from the field (17-38) and holding the Lions to just six field goals in 23 shot attempts (26.1%). USP's defense also held GCU's Lauren Meyer, the CACC's leading scorer to just one field goal in the first half. (Meyer would finish the game with 22 points - 14 in the second half).

A pair of 9-0 runs with a three-point field goal by GCU's Kamilah Bergman sandwiched in between provided the impetus for the Devils in the period. With USP leading 8-4, Lori Wernik (So., Lower Cape May Regional HS/Cape May, NJ) nailed two straight baseline jumpers and Rashanna Edwards (So., West Windsor-Plainsboro HS/Plainsboro, NJ) added a layup off a Wernik pass and was fouled. Edwards converted the free throw and the Devils had a double-digit lead, 15-4 just 4:50 into the game. Shumoski's jumper completed the first 9-0 run before Bergman's three pulled the Lions back within 10, 17-7 at the 12:19 mark. USP then pulled further ahead with their second 9-0 run with Hayley Lentz (Fr., Wilson Area HS/Easton, PA) providing four of the Devils nine points during the stretch. (Lentz added a basket in the second half to finish the game with six points.) After Meyer hit a pair of free throws to make the score 26-9, USP ran off seven straight points to have their biggest lead of the half, 33-9 with 6:32 remaining. By halves end, the Lions had shaved just two points off the Devils lead, as USP went into the lockerroom up 41-29.

Shumoski came out on fire in the second half, scoring eight of the Devils first 10 points, including two three-point plays as the Devils continued to lead by at least 20 points throughout the half. Late in the game, the Devils got a pair of layups from Mary Beth Christian (Fr., Villa Joseph Marie/Warrington, PA) (5 points) and a short jump hook from Jan Kalafut (Jr, Bishop Hoban HS/Wilkes Barre, PA) to go up by 30, their largest margin 68-38 with 3:49 left. The Lions then scored the final nine points of the game to make the final score 68-47.

USP is on the road again for their next contest, an afternoon matinee at Nyack College on Saturday, January 15, 2005.

Shumoski scores 30 as Devils Defeat Lightning (1/11/05)

Leah Shumoski burned the Goldey Beacom Lightning for 30 points and 13 rebounds as the USP women's basketball team won their third straight game, 84-54 at Goldey Beacom's MBNA Hall earlier tonight.

Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/Broomall, PA) connected on 14 of 20 shots from the field and two of four from the free throw line en route to her second 30-point game in two weeks. Leah also recorded eight steals and dished out three assists on the night.Her 30-point, 13-rebound performance is her fifth double-double on the season and second consecutive.

Shelby Rance (So., Central Columbia HS/ Bloomsburg, PA) joined Shumoski in double figures for the Devils (8-4, 6-1 CACC) with 16 points (10 in the second half).

Leading by only six points at the half, the Devils came out on fire in the second period, holding the Lightning without a field goal for the first 11:18 while outscoring their foes 26-4 to lead 66-38. Eight of Rance's 10 points came during this run. USP also got six points from Shumoski and four from Lori Wernik (So., Lower Cape May Regional HS/Cape May, NJ) during the run. Wernik finished the game with eight points and a team high six assists. The Lighting finally got their first field goal with 8:25 left (a layup by Kim Rowley,(18 points, 16 rebounds). USP continued to add to their lead, building their largest margin of 33, 80-47 with 3:27 left before settling in for the 84-54 win.

The Devils connected on 19 of 34 shots in the period (55.9%) while holding the Lightning to just five field goals in 22 shot attempts (22.7%). Ten different players put points on the board for USP in the period, while 11 players had at least one field goal in the game. Stephanie Watson (Jr., Archbishop Ryan HS/Warminster, PA) and Shay Nelson (Fr., Cumberland Regional HS/Millville, NJ) recorded career high in rebounds with eight and seven respectively.

With the win, the Devils pull even with Bloomfield College in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference standings with identical 6-1 records as the deacons were upset earlier this evening by Post University, 56-48. Bloomfield handed the Devils their only conference loss earlier this year.

The Devils are on the road for their next two games, conference match ups against Georgian Court College on Thursday, January 13, 2005 and Nyack College on Saturday, January 15, 2005.

Defense Helps Devils Defeat Dominican (01/06/05)

The USP women's basketball team turned in an impressive defensive effort to start off the second half as they handed Dominican College their ninth loss overall and third loss in the CACC 68-49.

Leading by 10 at the half 34-24, the Devils forced seven straight turnovers in the first 2:39 of the final period scoring six straight points to lead 40-24 before the Chargers got a shot off in the period. The Devils continued the defensive pressure, allowing only one basket while going on a 13-2 run over the next 5:10 to lead 53-26 with 12:11 left. Leah Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/Broomall, PA) had six points during the run, capping it off with a three point play. Lori Wernik (So., Lower Cape May Regional HS/Cape May, NJ) added four points while Shelby Rance (So., Central Columbia HS/ Bloomsburg, PA) had the other three. A little over four minutes later the Devils had their biggest lead of the game, 60-31 with 7:58 left before Dominican rebounded with a 16-4 run to pull as close as 17, 64-47 with 3:52 left. The Devils closed the door over the final 3 minutes, limiting the Chargers to just one basket before settling in for the 19-point win.

Shumoski led all scorers with 20 points. Leah also pulled down 10 rebounds, recording her fourth double-double of the season. Shumoski also had five steals. Rance added 13 points and Rashanna Edwards (So., West Windsor-Plainsboro HS/Plainsboro, NJ) chipped in 12. Rance, Edwards, Wernik and Shay Nelson (Fr., Cumberland Regional HS/Millville, NJ) each dished out three assists in a balanced game for the Devils. Wernik also pulled down eight rebounds.

Despite opening the game connecting on just six of 23 shots (26.1%) USP found themselves in a tie game at 15-15 at the 9:22 mark of the first period. The Devils then went on an 8-0 run open an eight-point advantage 23-15. After Dominican cut the lead in half, USP followed with a 7-0 run to go up 11, 30-19 with 2:50 left. The Devils connected on seven of their last eight shots to go into the lockerroom up 10, 34-24.

For the game, the Devils shot 43.6% from the field (24-55) compared to the Chargers 34.5% (19-55). The Devils committed only 16 turnovers compared to 28 for Dominican and held a slight advantage on the boards 37-36.

The Devils take to the road for their next two conference games, a Tuesday evening matchup at Goldey Beacom College on January 13th and an afternoon matinee at Nyack on the January 16th.

USP Comes From Behind to Defeat Bowie State (12/29/04)

Leah Shumoski and Shelby Rance combined for 36 second half points as the USP Devils rallied from a seven-point halftime deficit to defeat Bowie State University 81-70 in women's basketball action at the Bobby Morgan Arena earlier today.

After allowing the Lady Bulldogs to shoot a sizzling 62.1% in the first half, the USP defense forced their opponents to miss 22 shots in the second period (13-35, 37.1%). USP's offense started to click as well in the second half, with the Devils making 14 of 24 shots (58.3%) from the field and 20 of 24 from the free throw line (83.3%).

Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/Broomall, PA) finished the game with a season high 31 points, connecting on 12 of 17 shots from the field and 7-of-9 from the charity stripe. Rance (So., Central Columbia HS/ Bloomsburg, PA) also had a season-high 26 points (8-16 FG, 9-9 FT). Shumoski added six rebounds, four assists, three blocks and seven steals to go along with her 31 points while Rance dished out a game-high five assists. Lori Wernik (So., Lower Cape May Regional HS/Cape May, NJ) finished as the Devils high rebounder with 12.

Trailing 39-32 at the half, USP opened the final stanza with a 7-2 run to tie the game at 41-41 at the 14:28 mark. After Bowie State went back up by three 46-43 less than a minute later, the Devils countered with an 11-0 run to take a 54-46 lead with 10:34 remaining. Shumoski started the rally with a layup and Wernik followed with a jumper at the 12:59 mark to give the Devils their first lead of the period, 47-46. Rance added a layup and Shumoski a pair of free throws before Shay Nelson (Fr., Cumberland Regional HS/Millville, NJ) connected on a layup and was fouled. Nelson made the free throw to complete the three point play and boost the lead to eight 54-46.

Bowie scored two straight baskets to cut the lead in half 54-50 with 8:51 left. USP countered with a 12-4 run, boosting their lead to their largest margin on the afternoon, 12, 66-54 with 5:41 left in the game. The Lady Bulldogs again cut the lead to four, 68-64, with a 10-2 run over the next three minutes. Rance's layup with 2:03 left made the score 70-64 and the Lady Bulldogs were forced to foul. The Devils made 11 of 12 free throws down the stretch, providing the final 11-point margin of victory, 81-70.

Bowie State had opened the game, outscoring the Devils 8-2 before USP answered with nine straight points to take an early 11-8 lead. The Lady Bulldogs kept the game close and went on a 10-2 run late in the half to boost their lead to seven, 35-28 - a margin they held until the half ended.

Less than 24 hours earlier, the Devils suffered their worst non-conference loss in seven seasons, falling to nationally ranked Glenville State College (#19) 74-42. Wernik led the Devils with 13 points while Shumoski and Rance each chipped in 12. Shumoski's total included the 1,000th point of her college career. The Devils lost the battle of the boards 45-21 and were outshot 50%( 29-58) to 36.2% (17-47) from the field.

The Devils return to action on Thursday, January 6, 2005 with a CACC matchup against Dominican College.

Devils Rebound to Defeat NJIT (12/11/04)

The University of the Sciences women's basketball team rebounded from their poor performance on Thursday night against Bloomfield College with a solid game today against a good New Jersey Institute of Technology( NJIT) squad, defeating the Highlanders 70-55.

The Devils shot 54.2% in the first half and 51.% for the game. USP got another strong performance from Shelby Rance (So., Central Columbia HS/ Bloomsburg, PA). Rance scored a game-high 22 points, connecting on seven of 11 shots from the field, including 2-for-3 from beyond the three-point arc. Shelby was also a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line.

Joining Rance in double figures were Rashanna Edwards (So., West Windsor-Plainsboro HS/Plainsboro, NJ) and Leah Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/Broomall, PA). Shumoski scored 13 points, dished out eight assists had three blocked shots and six steals. Edwards added 12 points on 4-for-8 shooting and had six assists.

Despite their solid shooting effort in the first half, the Devils still found themselves trailing by one, 32-31 as the second half began. USP opened the period with a 16-6 run to take a nine-point lead 47-38 with 14:26 left in the game. Edwards had six of her 12 points during this stretch while Shumoski chipped in four. After NJIT's Selena Kershaw made a layup to pull the Highlanders within seven 47-40, the Devils scored five straight points to take a double-digit lead 52-40 midway through the period.

An 8-3 run by the Highlanders cut the lead to seven again 55-48 with 6:29 left but Rance quickly put the Devils back up by 10 59-49 with a basket and a pair of free throws. Davitra Goode's (So., Central Islip HS/Central Islip, NY) two free throws at the 4:53 mark made the score 61-49. USP maintained their double-digit lead for the remainder of the game, opening their biggest lead of 17, 70-53 with just 1:27 left. NJIT's Jackie McCaffrey added a pair of free throws with 1:12 left to make the final score 70-55.

Second half free throw shooting played a big role for the Devils. Two night's earlier against Bloomfield, the Devils made just one of eight free throws in the second half. Today, against NJIT, USP connected on 15 of 18 in the second period, including 9 of 10 in the final 5:14.

The Devils improve to 5-3 overall and 4-1 in conference play. USP is now off until after Christmas when they will host the USP Holiday Classic on December 28th and 29th, taking on Glenville State on the 28th and Bowie State on the 29th.

Bloomfield Snaps Devils Conference Road Winning Streak (12/9/04)

A 17-1 run over a 10 minute stretch late in the game propelled the Bloomfield College Deacons to a 64-46 upset over the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia women’s basketball team. The loss ended the Devils 14-game road conference winning streak dating back to the start of last season.

Shelby Rance (So., Central Columbia HS/ Bloomsburg, PA) was the lone Devil in double figures, scoring 14 points. Stephanie Watson (Jr., Archbishop Ryan HS/ Warminster, PA) added nine points and Rashanna Edwards (So., West Windsor-Plainsboro HS/Plainsboro, NJ) chipped in eight. Leah Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/Broomall, PA) paced the Devils with 12 rebounds and tied Edwards for team-high assist honors with four.

The Devils trailed by just two , 41-39 with 11:08 remaining in the game when the Deacons ran off 10 straight points to boost their lead to double digits 51-39 with 4:17 remaining. Edwards’ free throw at the 3:38 mark broke the run. However Bloomfield followed with eight more points to make the score 58-40 with 1:18 remaining. During the course of the Bloomfield run, the Devils missed 13 straight shots from the field and made just one of six shots from the charity stripe.

Earlier in the period, the Devils opened up a four point lead, 33-29 at the 17:24 mark only to have the Deacons erase it with a 10-0 run over the next 2:28 to establish control of the game.

USP finished the game connecting on just 21 of 62 shots from the field (33.9%) and just two of 11 shots from the free throw line (18.2%). The Devils were also outrebounded 51-38.

The Devils are now 4-3 overall and 3-1 in CACC action. USP returns home to face NJIT on Saturday, December 11, 2004, their last game before the Christmas holiday.

Devils Win Third Straight Conference Game (12/7/04)

Shelby Rance connected on six of nine shots from the field and scored 15 points as the USP women's basketball team remained unbeaten in conference play with a 72-45 win over Wilmington College.

Rance (So., Central Columbia HS/ Bloomsburg, PA) scored 11 of her 15 points in the first half as the Devils opened up a 31-15 advantage at the break. Shelby's only missed shots on the night came from three-point range as she was a perfect 6-for-6 inside the arc. Rance also added four steals, four rebounds and a pair of blocked shots.

Joining Rance in double figures were Leah Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/Broomall, PA) and Rashanna Edwards (So., West Windsor-Plainsboro HS/Plainsboro, NJ). Shumoski, despite shooting 4-for-13 from the field had 10 points. In addition, Leah pulled down seven rebounds, had six steals and dished out three assists. Edwards reached the double figures mark for the second consecutive game with a 10-point performance on 4-for-5 shooting. Rashanna also had five steals and three assists.

Offensively, USP shot 42.3% for the game, connecting on 30 of 71 shots from the field. meanwhile the USP defense forced 27 turnovers and held the Wildcats to just 33.3% shooting (18-54). USP also held the advantage on the boards 45-37.

Michelle Whalen and Nordia Henry led Wilmington (3-4, 0-3 CACC) with 14 and 12 points respectively.

The Devils are now 4-2 overall and 3-0 in conference play. USP takes to the road for a tough CACC matchup on Thursday, December 9, 2004 at Bloomfield College.

Devils Rally from 20-point Second Half Deficit to Defeat Post University (12/4/04)

The USP women’s basketball team played like a team possessed in the second half of their game against Post University, overcoming a 20-point deficit to defeat the host Eagles 75-69.

Shelby Rance (So., Central Columbia HS/ Bloomsburg, PA) and Lori Wernik (So., Lower Cape May Regional HS/Cape May, NJ) led the Devils comeback finishing the game with 22 and 19 points respectively. Wernik scored 14 of her 19 points in the second half, connecting on seven of nine shots from the field. Rance had 15 second half points on 4-for-5 shooting from the field and 7-of-8 from the free throw line. Joining Rance and Wernik in double figures were Rashanna Edwards (So., West Windsor-Plainsboro HS/Plainsboro, NJ) and Stephanie Watson (Jr., Archbishop Ryan HS/ Warminster, PA) with 10 points apiece.

Post led by 16 at the half, 41-25 and opened the second period scoring the first two baskets to take a 45-25 lead one minute into the period. The Devils then went on a 10-2 run over the next 2:27 to cut the deficit to 12, 47-35 at the 16:33 mark.

The Devils still trailed by 13, 56-43 with 12:28 to go when they hit stride, going on a 15-4 run to pull within three 61-58 with 7:40 remaining. Wernik helped key the rally with six points while Rance added four. After Post’s Tadj Williams made a free throw to make the score 62-58, Wernik pulled the Devils within two with a baseline jumper at the seven minute mark, making the score 62-60.

The Devils followed with a 6-2 run to take their first lead of the game 66-64 with 4:38 to go. Edwards had a basket at the 5:59 mark followed by a Wernik put back at 5:25. Rance followed with a basket at the 4:48 mark to give the Devils the lead 66-64. USP hit seven free throws down the stretch and Rance added a layup of a steal with 25 seconds to go, helping provide the winning margin of six points and complete the comeback.

The Devils 20-point deficit was not their biggest in the game, Post led the Devils by 25 points 35-10 with 5:37 left in the first half before the Devils embarked on a 15-6 run to close out the half, trailing by 16, 41-25.

The Devils are now 3-2 overall and 2-0 in conference play. USP returns home to take on Wilmington College on Tuesday, December 7, 2004.

Devils Open Conference Play with Win Over Felician (12/2/04)

Leah Shumoski recorded her third consecutive double-double as the USP women's basketball team opened up conference play with a 77-58 win over Felician College.

Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/Broomall, PA) scored 24 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead the Devils. In addition, Leah added seven steals and two assists. Shelby Rance (So., Central Columbia HS/ Bloomsburg, PA) joined Shumoski as the only other Devil in double figures with 11 points while Rashanna Edwards (So., West Windsor-Plainsboro HS/Plainsboro, NJ) added nine points and four steals.off the bench and Lori Wernik (So., Lower Cape May Regional HS/Cape May, NJ) turned in another solid effort with nine rebounds and three steals.

USP had a shaky start to the first period, jumping out to an early lead only to have Felician rebound back and tie the game at 18-18 at the 10:22 mark. The Devils then used runs of 7-2 and 10-3 to pull ahead by eight points 37-29 with 2:29 to go. The Devils went up by their biggest margin of the half, nine point as the period wound down, 43-34.

In the second half, USP still led by nine 48-39 when they went on a 10-0 run to put the game out of reach 59-39 with 12:24 to go. Shumoski had five of the Devils 10 points in the run while Edwards added three. Whitney Smith (Fr., Coral Springs HS/Coral Springs, FL) scored the other two for the Devils. After increasing their lead to 21 points Felician scored five straight to cut the lead to 16 62-46 with 8:55 to go. USP countered with an 8-2 run over the next 3:52 to lead 70-48 with 5:03 remaining. Continuing their solid play the Devils took their biggest lead of the night 24, 75-51 on a Lauren Kressaty ( Fr., Wayne Valley HS/Wayne, NJ) free throw with 3:40 left. Felician closed out the game with a 7-2 run to make the final score 77-58.

After shooting 50% from the field in the first hal, the Devils connected on only nine of 27 shots in the second half, finishing the game shooting 41.8% (23-55). USP was 29-37 from the free throw line. and outrebounded the Golden Falcons 45-26.

USP is now 2-2 overall and 1-0 in conference play. Next up for the Devils is a conference game at Post University in Waterbury, Connecticut on Saturday December 4, 2004.

Golden Rams Defeat USP as Devils Fade in Stretch (11/30/04)

The USP women's basketball team got a 'career' game from its captain Leah Shumoski but faded down the stretch as host West Chester University prevailed 60-51 last night.

Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/Broomall, PA) tallied 17 points and pulled down 17 rebounds for her second consecutive double-double. In addition Leah recorded eight steals, three blocked shots and dished out four assists, leading the Devils in each of these categories.

Despite a poor shooting first half (30.4%) the Devils trailed by only two at the break 20-18, due to a solid defensive effort. In the second half, Shumoski's basket at the 16:16 mark gave the Devils their first lead of the game 24-22. Over the next ten minutes of action, their were seven ties and five lead changes with a pair of free throws by West Chester's Dominique Lewis putting the Golden Rams back on top 45-44 with 5:28 to go.

West Chester opened up a six point lead 50-44 with 4:19 left before Stephanie Watson (Jr., Archbishop Ryan HS/Warminster, PA) cut the deficit in half with a three-point field goal at the 3:55 mark. The Devils defense held the Golden Rams in check and USP had a chance to cut the deficit to one. A missed foul call and an ill-timed technical foul on USP assistant coach Jeff Lorenzo swung the momentum pendulum back to West Chester. The technical foul turned into a four point play for West Chester as the made both free throws and scored on their ensuing possession to increase their lead to seven, 54-47 with 2:52 remaining. USP managed just two field goals down the stretch as West Chester hung on to win 60-51.

Shelby Rance (So., Central Columbia HS/ Bloomsburg, PA) joined Shumoski as the only USP players in double figures, finishing the game with 10 points.

For the second consecutive game, the Devils failed to break the 37% shooting mark from the field, connecting on just 36.1% (22-61) for the game.

The Devils fall to 1-2 with the loss. USP starts conference play in their next contest, a home game against Felician College on Thursday, December 2, 2004.

Devils' Rally Comes up Short as Rams Squeeze out Three-point Win (11/27/04)

The USP women's basketball team put on a furious rally towards the end of tonight's game against Philadelphia University trying to come back from a 14-point deficit in the final five minutes, coming up just short as the Rams held on for a three-point 71-68 victory.

The Rams led 66-51 with five minutes to go as the Devils intensity level suddenly came to life. USP's defense held the Rams without a field goal over the next four minutes as the Devils offense went on an 8-1 run to pull within eight, 67-59 with 1:50 left in the game.

Shay Nelson's (Fr., Cumberland Regional HS/Millville, NJ) basket at the 4:39 mark started the run. After Alisha Ferguson connected on one of two free throws, the Devils scored six straight points. Shelby Rance (So., Central Columbia HS/ Bloomsburg, PA) added a jumper at the 3:33 mark and Lori Wernik (So., Lower Cape May Regional HS/Cape May, NJ) followed with a basket at the 2:49 mark. Leah Shumoski (Jr., Marple-Newtown HS/Broomall, PA) then connected on two free throws with 1:50 left to make the score 69-58.

Philadelphia's Ferguson again made one of two free throws, making the score 68-59. USP's Stephanie Watson (Jr., Archbishop Ryan HS/Warminster, PA) followed with her fourth three-point field goal of the game to pull the Devils within six 68-62 with 1:08 left. After a Ram turnover, Shumoski was fouled and made both free throws cutting the deficit to four, 68-64 with 43.6 seconds left. Ferguson added the last of her game-high 24 points with two free throws with 32 seconds left, making the score 70-64. Nelson followed with a layup with just 22 seconds left, making the score 70-66. Nelson then fouled Philadelphia's Samara Speakes with 16.9 seconds. Speakes made the first of two free throws, putting the Rams up five. Nelson added a layup at the buzzer to make the final score 71-68.

Shumoski paced the Devils with 21 points and 14 rebounds.Leah also had three steals and two blocks, also team-highs. Thirteen of Shumoski's 21 points came in the second half along with 10 rebounds. Watson joined Shumoski as the only other player in double figures for the Devils with 17 points. (12 points in first half.)

The Devils trailed at the half 34-30 and trailed by five 40-35 with 17:04 left before the Rams went on a 10-0 run to open their biggest lead of15 points, 50-35 with 13:50 left. Shumoski then had three straight baskets to cut the lead to single digits 50-41 with 12:33 left but that was as close as the Devils would come until the rally in the final five minutes.

USP is now 1-1 overall. Next up for the Devils is a non-conference match-up at West Chester University on Tuesday, No