April 23, 2009

Amarando Named to All-College Team

Endicott, N.Y. - The Basketball Coaches Association of New York has named Taylor Amarando to its All-College Team. Amarando, a sophomore forward on the Cardinals' women's basketball team, led the State University of New York Athletic Conference with a .522 field goal percentage (128-245) and topped the team with 13.2 points per game. Her field goal percentage places Amarando fourth on the all-time single season list for Plattsburgh. She was also named to the All-SUNYAC Second Team for her efforts.

Also named to the list from the SUNYAC was Brenlyn Campbell from Brockport, and Jessica Laing from Cortland was named the BCAN Player of the Year for the second year in a row.

The Plattsburgh State women's basketball team is coming off its best season since 2003, having finished tied for sixth place in the State University of New York Athletic Conference with a 12-14 overall record, 8-8 in conference play, and having earned its first SUNYAC Championship Tournament berth in five years.

Mar. 2, 2009

Amarando and Silberberg Earn All-SUNYAC Honors

Fredonia, N.Y. - The Plattsburgh State women's basketball team is coming off its best season since 2003, having finished tied for sixth place in the State University of New York Athletic Conference with a 12-14 overall record, 8-8 in conference play, and having earned its first SUNYAC Championship Tournament berth in five years. As of today, the Cardinals have two more reasons to celebrate--sophomore forward Taylor Amarando has been named to the Second Team All-SUNYAC and freshman guard Erin Silberberg earned an Honorable Mention nod.

Amarando led the league with a .522 field goal percentage (128-245) and topped the team with 13.2 points per game. Her field goal percentage places Amarando fourth on the all-time single season list for Plattsburgh. She started 17 games for the Cardinals and made appearances in 25.

Silberberg was the top newcomer for the Cardinals, placing second on the team with 12.5 points per game and 66 assists. She averaged 67.1% from the free-throw line after sinking 53 of 79 shots attempted. Silberberg appeared in 26 games during the season and started 13.

Feb. 24, 2009

Heartbreaker in Oneonta as Plattsburgh Women Fall

Oneonta, N.Y. - Despite a solid performance by the sixth-seeded Plattsburgh State women's basketball team's defense and a hard fought game overall, the Cardinals fell to third-seeded Oneonta 46-39 in the quarterfinals of the State University of New York Athletic Conference Championship Tournament. Plattsburgh ends its best season since 2005 with a record of 12-14, Oneonta stands at 20-5 for the season.

The Cardinals took early control of the game in the first half by penetrating a towering Oneonta defense. Taylor Amarando would help the Cardinals hold on until the buzzer sounded to signal the end of the half by contributing seven points and going 3-for-4 from the free-throw line.

It would remain Plattsburgh's game well into the second, though Oneonta would take a brief one-point lead for just over a minute. The Red Dragons tied things up with three minutes remaining and pulled ahead at the 1:52 mark--this time it would be for good.

Overall, Erin Silberberg led the Cardinal offense with 11 points, followed by Amarando with 10. Amarando and Vanessa Arthurton each posted a team-high eight rebounds and Megan Lynch and Kerri Salisbury dished out two assists apiece. For Oneonta, Shannon Weir sank 14 points and Samantha Szkotak netted 13. Rebecce Bucci pulled down six boards and racked up five assists for the Red Dragons.

Feb. 21, 2009

Cardinal Ballers Fall to New Paltz

New Paltz, N.Y. - The Plattsburgh State women's basketball team started off its State University of New York Athletic Conference game against New Paltz with an early 10-2 lead, but the Hawks would soon surpass the Cardinals and go on to take the game by a score of 76-55. The game marked the final regular season contest for the Cardinals, who finish tied for sixth in the SUNYAC with Potsdam. 

Plattsburgh ends the regular season with a record of 12-13 overall, 8-8 in the SUNYAC. New Paltz stands at 17-7 for the year, 13-3 in the conference.

Taylor Amarando recorded a double-double for the Cardinals, nabbing 13 rebounds and sinking 14 points. Amarando went 6-for-8 from the free-throw line and shot 50% (4-8) from the field. Also posting double-digits were seniors Vanessa Arthurton with 12 points and Megan Lynch with 10. Fellow senior Elizabeth Silver dished out a team-high five assists during the game.

For the Hawks Artie Williams sank 18 points and pulled down eight boards, while Kaitlin Clifford contributed 17 points and three assists. Nicole Sarcone recorded four steals and matched Clifford with three assists.

Plattsburgh waits to see where the team will travel next Tuesday, February 24, for the SUNYAC Tournament Quarterfinals.

Cardinals Top Mustangs on the Road

Morrisville, N.Y. - Finishing the first half tied with Morrisville at 31, the Plattsburgh State women's basketball outscored the Mustangs 37-28 in the second to pick up the win. The Cardinals now stand at 12-12 for the year, 8-7 in the State University of New York Athletic Conference. Morrisville drops to 2-22 for the season, 0-16 in the conference.

Taylor Amarando led the charge for the Cardinals, coming up just short of a double-double with 20 points and nine rebounds. 11 of her points came in the second half, helping Plattsburgh take the lead. Meanwhile, Sydney Pajack did post a double-double for the Mustangs with 17 points and 12 boards.

Also contributing for Plattsburgh was Vanessa Arthurton with 15 points and a game-high five steals. Erin Silberberg recorded 13 points and dished four assists. Megan Lynch led the Cardinals  with seven assists.

Plattsburgh closes out the regular season on the road tomorrow against SUNYAC opponent New Paltz. Game time is set for 4 p.m.

Feb. 13, 2009

Blue Knights Overtake Cardinals at Geneseo

Geneseo, N.Y. - The Plattsburgh State women's basketball team fell to the Geneseo Blue Knights in a State University of New York Athletic Conference game, 44-58. Erin Silberberg tossed in 19 points to lead the Cardinals, while Taylor Amarando contributed 10.

It was a disappointing loss for Plattsburgh, who beat Geneseo earlier in the season 62-54 at home. The Cardinals managed to only record 13 points on the board during the first half, but rallied back and matched Geneseo with 31 points during the second.

Vanessa Arthurton pulled down five boards for the Cardinals, and, along with Megan Lynch, stole three balls from the Blue Knights. Arthurton, Molly Harte, and Kerri Salisbury all dished out two assists apiece.

Plattsburgh, 11-12 overall and 7-7 in the SUNYAC, makes another SUNYAC roadtrip at Morrisville next Friday evening. Game time is set for 6 p.m.

Feb. 7, 2009

Red Dragons Hand Cardinals a Loss on the Road

CORTLAND, N.Y. -   State University of New York Athletics Conference opponent Cortland handed the Plattsburgh State women's basketball team its second loss on the road the weekend after pulling past the Cardinals for a 69-56 victory. Now standing at seventh in the conference, Plattsburgh now holds a record of 11-11 overall, 7-6 in the SUNYAC. Cortland leads the pack in the SUNYAC with a 10-1 conference record, 17-3 overall.

The two teams traded the lead during the first half until the Red Dragons pulled away at just under the 10-minute mark with a double-digit lead. Going into the half, the Cardinals trailed 34-41. Plattsburgh kept close the scoring close during the second half, putting 22 points on the board, while Cortland posted 28.

Shoshana sank a personal season-high 24 points and four steal, while Taylor Amarando contributed 15 points and nine rebounds for Plattsburgh. Vanessa Arthurton dished out four assists. Jessica Laing netted 21 points to lead the Red Dragons. Krisitn Ciccone posted 18 points and stole three balls, followed by Ali Canale with 11 points and four assists.

Plattsburgh returns to action next Friday away for a conference game against Geneseo. Game time is set for 6 p.m.

Feb. 6, 2009

Plattsburgh Sees Winning Streak Come to End in Potsdam

POTSDAM, N.Y. - Potsdam State's Cortney Poirer sank a pair of free throws with 6 seconds left in the game to seal a 64-61 victory Friday over visiting Plattsburgh State in State University of New York Athletic Conference women's basketball action, snapping the Cardinals season-best six-game win streak.  The Bears improve to 13-7 overall and 6-5 in the SUNYAC, while Plattsburgh dips to 11-10 and 7-5 in the conference.

Taylor Amarando paced Plattsburgh with 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting and seven rebounds, and Vanessa Arthurton added 13 points while making all six of her field goal attempts, nine rebounds and four steals.

The Cardinals had a chance to tie the game and send it into overtime, but Erin Silberberg's 3-pointer just missed the mark as time expired.

All five Bears starters scored in double figures.

Potsdam enjoyed advantages of 41-28 on the glass and 20-11 at the free throw stripe. 

Plattsburgh Women Post Sixth-Straight Win

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - Three players scored in the double-digits to help raise the Plattsburgh State women's basketball team's winning streak to six with a 52-43 win over visiting State University of New York Athletic Conference opponent Morrisville State College. It is the program's longest winning streak in six seasons.

The Cardinals now stand at 11-9 for the season, 7-4 in the SUNYAC, while the Mustangs fall to 2-15 overall, 0-11 in the conference.

The two teams entered the half neck and neck, with the Cardinals holding a slight lead of two (27-25). However, Plattsburgh pulled ahead with a 13-point lead with under two-minutes left to go in the game and, despite the Mustangs' best attempts, the Cardinals held on for the win.

Taylor Amarando led the charge for the Cardinals with 18 points, while Erin Silberberg and Shoshana Harris recorded 10 apiece. During her last regular season home game ever as a Cardinal, senior Vanessa Arthurton pulled down a team-high 10 boards, while fellow senior Megan Lynch dished out three assists and grabbed two steals.

The Cardinals travel to SUNYAC foe Potsdam on Friday, February 6, to kick off a five-game road trip that will close out their regular season. Game time is set for 6 p.m.

Newspaper Box Score
Morrisville vs Plattsburgh State
2/3/09 6 p.m. EST at Plattsburgh, N.Y.; Memorial Hall
At Plattsburgh, N.Y.; Memorial Hall
PLATTSBURGH STATE 52, MORRISVILLE 43
MORRISVILLE (2-15,0-11 SUNYAC)
PAJACK, Sydney 8-16 2-5 18; TERZI, Courtney 5-8 1-2 11; HANSON, Tekesha 1-6
3-4 5; STANTON, Sybil 1-5 1-3 3; WINSTEAD, Lynette 1-1 0-0 3; FRANCIS,
Caroline 1-5 0-0 2; WHITE, Asha 0-1 1-2 1; VELAZQUEZ, Carmen 0-2 0-0 0;
LEWIS, Kimberly 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 17-44 8-16 43.
PLATTSBURGH STATE (11-9, 7-4 SUNYAC)
AMARANDO,Taylor 6-10 6-8 18; SILBERBERG,Erin 4-14 2-2 10; HARRIS,Shoshana
4-10 0-0 10; SALISBURY,Kerri 3-10 0-0 7; ARTHURTON,Vanessa 2-7 1-3 5;
LYNCH,Megan 0-7 2-3 2; McCOY,Stephanie 0-3 0-0 0; HARTE,Molly 0-3 0-0 0.
Totals 19-64 11-16 52.
Morrisville...................  25  18 - 43
Plattsburgh State.............  27  25 - 52
3-point goals--Morrisville 1-9 (WINSTEAD, Lynette 1-1; HANSON, Tekesha 0-4;
STANTON, Sybil 0-3; PAJACK, Sydney 0-1), Plattsburgh State 3-17
(HARRIS,Shoshana 2-4; SALISBURY,Kerri 1-4; LYNCH,Megan 0-4; SILBERBERG,Erin
0-5). Fouled out--Morrisville-None, Plattsburgh State-None.
Rebounds--Morrisville 46 (FRANCIS, Caroline 16), Plattsburgh State 36
(ARTHURTON,Vanessa 10). Assists--Morrisville 14 (STANTON, Sybil 4),
Plattsburgh State 14 (SILBERBERG,Erin 4; SALISBURY,Kerri 4). Total
fouls--Morrisville 16, Plattsburgh State 18. Technical
fouls--Morrisville-None, Plattsburgh State-None. A-115
State University of New York Athletic Conference game.
Last regular-season home game for the Cardinals, who are on six-game winning
streak for the longest in six seasons.

Jan. 31, 2009

Streaking Cardinals Halt Visiting Fredonia

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. -  The Plattsburgh State women's basketball team won its fifth straight Saturday with a 64-52 victory over Fredonia State at Memorial Hall, pushing the Cardinals above the .500-mark at 10-9 overall and 6-4 in the State University of New York Athletic Conference. The Blue Devils drop to 8-11 on the year, and 2-9 in the SUNYAC.

Taylor Amarando came off the Plattsburgh bench to score a game-high 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting in only 14 minutes. She also had a team-best seven rebounds. Erin Silberberg added 14 points. Vanessa Arthurton (11 points, 6 rebounds, 8 steals) and Megan Lynch (5 assists) were honored before the game on Senior Day.

Merissa Gaeta and Angela Pucciarelli paced Fredonia with 12 and 11 points, respectively. Katie Landy led all rebounders with 12.

The Cardinals took advantage of 33 Blue Devils turnovers and converted those mistakes into transition baskets.

Plattsburgh never trailed in the game and was leading at halftime, 28-19.

Newspaper Box Score
Fredonia State vs Plattsburgh State
01/31/09 4 p.m. EST at Plattsburgh, N.Y.; Memorial Hall
At Plattsburgh, N.Y.; Memorial Hall
PLATTSBURGH STATE 64, FREDONIA STATE 52
FREDONIA STATE (8-11, 2-9 SUNYAC)
GAETA, Merissa 6-9 0-0 12; PUCCIARELLI, Angela 4-8 3-3 11; LANDY, Katie 3-10
2-5 8; HOURIHAN, Caroline 3-7 0-0 8; BREWER, Jenny 2-3 0-0 6; RENAUD, Leisel
1-2 1-2 3; HARRINGTON, Kalli 0-0 2-2 2; WIERBINSKI, Liz 1-3 0-0 2; KINGSTON,
Courtney 0-0 0-0 0; D'ERCOLE, Kristina 0-0 0-0 0; CALBI, Nicole 0-2 0-0 0.
Totals 20-44 8-12 52.
PLATTSBURGH STATE (10-9,6-4 SUNYAC)
AMARANDO,Taylor 6-9 6-8 18; SILBERBERG,Erin 6-16 2-2 14; ARTHURTON,Vanessa
4-8 3-4 11; SALISBURY,Kerri 3-7 0-0 8; HARRIS,Shoshana 3-5 0-0 6;
HARTE,Molly 2-5 0-2 4; LYNCH,Megan 1-8 0-2 2; McCOY,Stephanie 0-0 1-2 1.
Totals 25-58 12-20 64.
Fredonia State................  19  33 - 52
Plattsburgh State.............  28  36 - 64
3-point goals--Fredonia State 4-7 (HOURIHAN, Caroline 2-2; BREWER, Jenny
2-2; LANDY, Katie 0-1; PUCCIARELLI, Angela 0-2), Plattsburgh State 2-11
(SALISBURY,Kerri 2-4; SILBERBERG,Erin 0-4; HARRIS,Shoshana 0-1; LYNCH,Megan
0-2). Fouled out--Fredonia State-None, Plattsburgh State-None.
Rebounds--Fredonia State 37 (LANDY, Katie 12), Plattsburgh State 27
(AMARANDO,Taylor 7). Assists--Fredonia State 14 (LANDY, Katie 3),
Plattsburgh State 17 (LYNCH,Megan 5). Total fouls--Fredonia State 16,
Plattsburgh State 15. Technical fouls--Fredonia State-None, Plattsburgh
State-None. A-285
State University of New York Athletic Conference game.
Senior Day for Cardinals Vanessa Arthurton and Megan Lynch.

Women's Basketball Pulls Away from Buffalo State

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. -  The Plattsburgh State women's basketball team defeated Buffalo State, 62-52, in a State University of New York Athletic Conference matchup at Memorial Hall on Friday evening. Cardinals freshman Erin Silberberg scored a career-high 20 points to lead Plattsburgh to its fourth win in a row.

Sophomore Taylor Amarando grabbed nine rebounds off the bench for Plattsburgh (9-9 overall, 5-4 SUNYAC). Barb Kiliszek led the Bengals (3-15, 2-7) with 15 points and teammate Shareese Hamer scored 14.

The Cardinals led 25-20 going into the half. They never trailed after Molly Harte made a layin with 4 minutes and 56 seconds left in the first half, and pulled away by as much as 22 points in the second frame.

Plattsburgh hosts SUNYAC opponent Fredonia Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. at Memorial Hall.

Newspaper Box Score
Buffalo State vs Plattsburgh State
01/30/09 6 p.m. EST at Plattsburgh, N.Y.; Memorial Hall
At Plattsburgh, N.Y.; Memorial Hall
PLATTSBURGH STATE 62, BUFFALO STATE 52
BUFFALO STATE (3-15, 2-7 SUNYAC)
KILISZEK, Barb 6-17 3-3 15; HAMER, Shareese 7-15 0-2 14; SEBUHARARA, Divine
2-5 2-4 6; CLARK, Jessica 1-8 1-2 4; DEBNAM, Yasmine 2-4 0-0 4; LAYNE, Dee
2-2 0-0 4; LAMPI, Trisha 1-3 2-2 4; THOMPSON, Sarah 0-0 1-2 1; EDWARDS,
Marlena 0-2 0-0 0; RECKLEY, Francesca 0-3 0-1 0; EDWARDS, Christine 0-0 0-0
0. Totals 21-59 9-16 52.
PLATTSBURGH STATE (9-9, 5-4 SUNYAC)
SILBERBERG,Erin 7-20 5-6 20; LYNCH,Megan 3-8 2-2 10; ARTHURTON,Vanessa 3-4
3-4 9; HARTE,Molly 3-7 0-2 6; SALISBURY,Kerri 2-4 2-2 6; HARRIS,Shoshana 1-6
3-4 6; AMARANDO,Taylor 1-3 0-2 2; LICATA,Kristen 1-2 0-0 2; SILVER,Elizabeth
0-0 1-2 1; McCOY,Stephanie 0-0 0-0 0; SPENO,Olivia 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 21-55
16-24 62.
Buffalo State.................  20  32 - 52
Plattsburgh State.............  25  37 - 62
3-point goals--Buffalo State 1-11 (CLARK, Jessica 1-5; DEBNAM, Yasmine 0-1;
EDWARDS, Marlena 0-1; KILISZEK, Barb 0-4), Plattsburgh State 4-10
(LYNCH,Megan 2-3; HARRIS,Shoshana 1-2; SILBERBERG,Erin 1-3; SALISBURY,Kerri
0-2). Fouled out--Buffalo State-CLARK, Jessica; KILISZEK, Barb, Plattsburgh
State-None. Rebounds--Buffalo State 33 (HAMER, Shareese 6; LAMPI, Trisha 6),
Plattsburgh State 41 (AMARANDO,Taylor 9). Assists--Buffalo State 12
(KILISZEK, Barb 4), Plattsburgh State 14 (SILBERBERG,Erin 6). Total
fouls--Buffalo State 21, Plattsburgh State 16. Technical fouls--Buffalo
State-None, Plattsburgh State-None. A-225
State University of New York Athletic Conference game..."Pink Zone" Night.

Women's Basketball Upsets North Country Rival Bears

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. -  The Plattsburgh State women's basketball team picked up its third-straight win when it defeated State University of New York Athletic Conference opponent Potsdam, 58-56, at home in Memorial Hall on Tuesday evening. The Cardinals improve to 8-9 on the year, 4-4 in the SUNYAC. The Bears stand at 12-5 overall and 5-3 in conference play, after losing their first road game in seven starts.

The teams started the second half tied at 28 and kept the game tight until the end. With the game tied once more at 51 with just over three minutes left, Taylor Amarando tossed in a layup to put the Cardinals ahead for good. Twenty seconds later she stole the ball from the Bears and passed it down court where teammate Erin Silberberg got fouled attempting to shoot by Potsdam's Hannah Fairchild. Silberberg hit both of the resulting free-throws to increase Plattsburgh's lead to four.

Fairchild hit a free-throw of her own with 1:37 left in the game to place the score at 55-53 in favor of Plattsburgh. Just 53 seconds later Silberberg got fouled once more, this time by Maureen Curley, and came through for the Cardinals by hitting both shots again. She was followed at the line by Megan Lynch, who would sink in one free-throw to give the Cardinals a five-point lead. Plattsburgh would hold on for the victory, despite giving up a three-pointer to Fairchild with two seconds left on the clock

Amarando posted a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. She shot 66.7 percent (8-12) from the field to lead the team. Lynch dished out four assists and recorded three steals, while Silberberg posted 17 points on the board for the Cardinals.

Fairchild led the Bears with 17 points and Curley contributed 16. Kelsey Shoen led the team with nine boards and six steals, while Cortney Poirier posted a team-high three assists.

Plattsburgh returns to action this weekend when it opens up a weekend SUNYAC series at home. The Cardinals face off first against Buffalo State on Friday at 6 p.m. and then finishes out on Saturday against Fredonia at 4 p.m.

Newspaper Box Score
Potsdam vs Plattsburgh State
1/27/09 6 p.m. EST at Plattsburgh, N.Y.; Memorial Hall
At Plattsburgh, N.Y.; Memorial Hall
PLATTSBURGH STATE 58, POTSDAM 56
POTSDAM (12-5, 5-3 SUNYAC)
FAIRCHILD, Hannah 6-12 1-2 17; CURLEY, Maureen 5-11 5-6 16; GRAF, Rachel 2-8
4-4 8; SHOEN, Kelsey 2-5 2-4 6; POIRIER, Cortney 1-9 3-3 5; WHITTON,
Brittany 1-6 0-0 2; KRAUZA, Molly 1-4 0-2 2; LEBRASSEUR, LeighAn 0-1 0-0 0.
Totals 18-56 15-21 56.
PLATTSBURGH STATE (8-9, 4-4 SUNYAC)
AMARANDO,Taylor 8-12 2-4 18; SILBERBERG,Erin 5-14 6-8 17; HARTE,Molly 3-5
4-4 10; ARTHURTON,Vanessa 2-10 3-4 7; SALISBURY,Kerri 1-3 0-0 3;
McCOY,Stephanie 1-6 0-0 2; LYNCH,Megan 0-4 1-2 1; HARRIS,Shoshana 0-4 0-0 0.
Totals 20-58 16-22 58.
Potsdam.......................  28  28 - 56
Plattsburgh State.............  28  30 - 58
3-point goals--Potsdam 5-16 (FAIRCHILD, Hannah 4-7; CURLEY, Maureen 1-3;
POIRIER, Cortney 0-3; WHITTON, Brittany 0-3), Plattsburgh State 2-6
(SILBERBERG,Erin 1-3; SALISBURY,Kerri 1-2; HARRIS,Shoshana 0-1). Fouled
out--Potsdam-None, Plattsburgh State-None. Rebounds--Potsdam 38 (SHOEN,
Kelsey 9), Plattsburgh State 43 (AMARANDO,Taylor 12). Assists--Potsdam 11
(POIRIER, Cortney 3), Plattsburgh State 15 (LYNCH,Megan 4). Total
fouls--Potsdam 16, Plattsburgh State 16. Technical fouls--Potsdam-None,
Plattsburgh State-None. A-300
State University of New York Athletic Conference game.

Basketball Hosting Special Olympics Night Tuesday against Potsdam

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - The Plattsburgh State basketball teams welcome the athletes from the Special Olympics of Clinton and Essex counties to Tuesday's State University of New York Athletic Conference games against North Country rival Potsdam at Memorial Hall. The women's game tips off at 6 p.m. followed by the men's contest at 8 p.m.

The Cardinals will be conducting a 50/50 raffle during both games with proceeds going to support the local Special Olympics initiative.

Cardinals Win Second-Straight

ALBANY, N.Y. - Improving to 7-9 on the year, the Plattsburgh State women's basketball team defeated the Albany College of Pharmacy, 60-56, on Friday in non-conference action on the road. The Panthers fall to 9-7.

The teams ended the first half tied at 29 and kept the game tight throughout the second. The Cardinals took a five-point lead with just under four minutes left thanks to a free-throw shot and a jumper made by Shoshana Harris. Plattsburgh held on to the lead until the end, despite the Panthers pulling within two with nine seconds left. Erin Silberberg netted two free-throws with five seconds left on the clock to cement the win for the team.

Harris led the Cardinals with 15 points, while Taylor Amarando pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds. Adding to the effort, Silberberg contributed 11 points and Vanessa Arthurton sank 12 points and nabbed four steals. Megan Lynch dished out five assists..

For ACP, Amber Batzold recorded a game-high 23 points, while Kelly VanValkenburg posted 17 points on the board. Pam Leonardi led the Panthers with nine rebounds and one block.

Plattsburgh returns home on Tuesday against Potsdam in a conference contest. Game time is set for 6 p.m.

Cardinals Upset SUNYAC-Leading Hawks

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - The Plattsburgh State women's basketball team defeated the New Paltz Hawks by a score of 72-65 in a State University of New York Athletic Conference game on Saturday at Memorial Hall. It was the first conference loss for the Hawks (10-4) in seven starts this season. Plattsburgh rises to 6-9 overall and 3-4 in the SUNYAC.

The Cardinals emerged from the first half down 34-33, but opened the second half with nine unanswered points to go up 43-34. Vanessa Arthurton was a powerhouse on the court for Plattsburgh scoring 16 of her team-high 20 points in the second half. She finished the day with a double-double, completed by 10 rebounds, along with a team-high six steals and two blocks.

In addition, teammate Erin Silberberg ended just shy of a double-double herself, posting 15 points, eight rebounds and a team-high six assists. Shoshana Harris also scored in double figures with 12 points.

Plattsburgh never trailed again after opening the second half with that spurt. New Paltz closed to within four points on a couple occasions, but then Plattsburgh would rebuild its lead.

As a team, the Cardinals shot 74.2 percent (23-31) from the free-throw line. The Hawks were only at 60.9, or 14 for 23.

For the Hawks, Maggie Farrell netted an impressive 23 points, while Artie Williams contributed 15 points and eight boards to the effort.

Plattsburgh returns to action on Friday (7 p.m.) when the team travels to Albany to face off against Albany College of Pharmacy in a non-conference match up.

Newspaper Box Score
New Paltz vs Plattsburgh State
01/17/09 1 p.m. EST at Plattsburgh, N.Y.; Memorial Hall
At Plattsburgh, N.Y.; Memorial Hall
PLATTSBURGH STATE 72, NEW PALTZ 65
NEW PALTZ (10-4, 6-1 SUNYAC)
FARRELL, Maggie 8-13 6-8 23; WILLIAMS, Artie 6-13 2-4 15; MINEHAN, Carly 3-9
2-2 9; CLARKE, Chelsea 3-4 2-3 8; COHEN, Zoe 2-5 1-2 5; DELGAUDIO, Samantha
1-1 0-0 2; IRWIN, Caitlin 1-3 0-2 2; SARCONE, Nicole 0-6 1-2 1; DEROSSI,
Abbey 0-3 0-0 0; SITEK, Kristin 0-2 0-0 0; GROVER, Bridget 0-2 0-0 0;
CLIFFORD, Kaitlin 0-4 0-0 0. Totals 24-65 14-23 65.
PLATTSBURGH STATE (6-9, 3-4 SUNYAC)
ARTHURTON,Vanessa 7-14 6-8 20; SILBERBERG,Erin 5-17 4-6 15; HARRIS,Shoshana
3-8 4-6 12; LYNCH,Megan 3-9 3-5 9; AMARANDO,Taylor 3-9 2-2 8;
SALISBURY,Kerri 2-5 2-2 6; McCOY,Stephanie 0-2 2-2 2; HARTE,Molly 0-0 0-0 0.
Totals 23-64 23-31 72.
New Paltz.....................  34  31 - 65
Plattsburgh State.............  33  39 - 72
3-point goals--New Paltz 3-12 (WILLIAMS, Artie 1-2; MINEHAN, Carly 1-2;
FARRELL, Maggie 1-2; IRWIN, Caitlin 0-1; SARCONE, Nicole 0-2; DEROSSI, Abbey
0-1; CLIFFORD, Kaitlin 0-1; CLARKE, Chelsea 0-1), Plattsburgh State 3-13
(HARRIS,Shoshana 2-5; SILBERBERG,Erin 1-4; SALISBURY,Kerri 0-2; LYNCH,Megan
0-2). Fouled out--New Paltz-SARCONE, Nicole, Plattsburgh State-HARTE,Molly;
SALISBURY,Kerri. Rebounds--New Paltz 48 (IRWIN, Caitlin 8; MINEHAN, Carly
8), Plattsburgh State 41 (ARTHURTON,Vanessa 10). Assists--New Paltz 16
(SARCONE, Nicole 9), Plattsburgh State 17 (SILBERBERG,Erin 6). Total
fouls--New Paltz 22, Plattsburgh State 19. Technical fouls--New Paltz-None,
Plattsburgh State-None. A-101
State University of New York Athletic Conference game.

Plattsburgh Loses Early Lead and Falls to Oneonta

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - The Plattsburgh State women's basketball team was ahead of State University of New York Athletic Conference foe Oneonta State with just over 10 minutes left to play in the first half on Friday evening. However, the visiting Red Dragons surged back before the break and never relinquished the lead, winning the contest 77-65.

The Cardinals fall to 5-9 overall, 2-4 in the SUNYAC, while Oneonta stands at 11-2 on the year, 4-1 in the conference.

Erin Silberberg led Plattsburgh offensively with 16 points; she was followed by Vanessa Arthurton with 12 points and Molly Harte with 11. Arthurton also posted a team-high five assists and three steals, while Harte pulled down seven boards.

Samantha Szkotak sparked Oneonta with 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting off the bench. Megan Bucci chipped in 13 points and eight rebounds, and Christi Podgorski had 11 points. Sara Chrystie dished a game-best 10 assists without commiting a turnover.

Plattsburgh took a 22-13 lead after an Arthurton lay-in with 13:05 to go before the intermission. But the Red Dragons responded with a 13-0 run over the next 5 minutes to move in front, 26-22. Plattsburgh responded with a run of its own to take a 37-31 lead before Bucci sank a pair of free throws to put Oneonta up 41-39 at the break.

In the second half, Oneonta led for most of the time after Shoshana Harris hit a jumper to open the period giving Plattsburgh its last tie of the game, 41-all.

The Cardinals return to the court at Memorial Hall tomorrow afternoon to face off against New Paltz. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.

Newspaper Box Score
Oneonta State vs Plattsburgh State
1/16/09 6 p.m. EST at Plattsburgh, N.Y.; Memorial Hall
At Plattsburgh, N.Y.; Memorial Hall
ONEONTA STATE 77, PLATTSBURGH STATE 65
ONEONTA STATE (11-2, 4-1 SUNYAC)
SZKOTAK, Samantha 7-11 1-1 16; BUCCI, Megan 5-8 2-2 13; PODGORSKI, Christi
3-7 4-4 11; WEIR, Shannon 4-5 1-2 9; SLAGLE, Madison 4-8 0-0 9; BUCCI,
Rebecca 2-3 2-2 8; MCDOWELL, Amanda 2-3 3-3 7; CHRYSTIE, Sara 1-2 0-0 3;
SNYDER, Casey 0-5 1-2 1; WELYTOK, Ashley 0-0 0-0 0; TIGHE, Laura 0-0 0-0 0;
KANE, Lauren 0-0 0-0 0; O'CONNELL, Mary Kate 0-6 0-0 0. Totals 28-58 14-16
77.
PLATTSBURGH STATE (5-9, 2-4 SUNYAC)
SILBERBERG,Erin 5-10 5-9 16; ARTHURTON,Vanessa 4-10 4-4 12; HARTE,Molly 3-8
5-7 11; HARRIS,Shoshana 4-12 0-0 9; SALISBURY,Kerri 3-9 2-2 9;
AMARANDO,Taylor 2-5 2-2 6; LYNCH,Megan 1-5 0-0 2; McCOY,Stephanie 0-1 0-0 0.
Totals 22-60 18-24 65.
Oneonta State.................  41  36 - 77
Plattsburgh State.............  39  26 - 65
3-point goals--Oneonta State 7-18 (BUCCI, Rebecca 2-3; SZKOTAK, Samantha
1-3; SLAGLE, Madison 1-2; BUCCI, Megan 1-1; CHRYSTIE, Sara 1-1; PODGORSKI,
Christi 1-4; O'CONNELL, Mary Kate 0-1; SNYDER, Casey 0-1; MCDOWELL, Amanda
0-1; WEIR, Shannon 0-1), Plattsburgh State 3-11 (HARRIS,Shoshana 1-4;
SALISBURY,Kerri 1-3; SILBERBERG,Erin 1-2; LYNCH,Megan 0-2). Fouled
out--Oneonta State-None, Plattsburgh State-None. Rebounds--Oneonta State 40
(BUCCI, Megan 8), Plattsburgh State 31 (HARTE,Molly 7). Assists--Oneonta
State 21 (CHRYSTIE, Sara 10), Plattsburgh State 12 (ARTHURTON,Vanessa 5).
Total fouls--Oneonta State 16, Plattsburgh State 15. Technical
fouls--Oneonta State-None, Plattsburgh State-None. A-150
State University of New York Athletic Conference game.

Cardinals Hosting "Go Red for Women" and "Pink Zone" Nights

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - The Plattsburgh State women's basketball team will be promoting awareness and help raise money for heart disease and breast cancer in upcoming weeks. On Friday the Cardinals will be hosting conference rival Oneonta (6 p.m.) on "Go Red for Women" Night and then on Jan. 30 will play Buffalo State (6 p.m.) on "Pink Zone" Night. During both men's games on those dates, Plattsburgh will sell 50/50 raffle tickets and accept donations for both causes.

The "Go Red for Women" campaign captures the energy, passion and intelligence of women to work collectively to wipe out heart disease - the No. 1 killer of women. Since 2004, the American Heart Association has fostered Go Red to grow from a grassroots campaign into a vibrant national movement. The Cardinals encourage fans to wear red in support of this cause for the game against the Red Dragons.

A startling 1 in 2.5 women die from heart disease, stroke and other cardio-vascular diseases, which is nearly 500,000 deaths per year. In fact, more women die of cardiovascular disease than the next five causes of death combined, including all cancers. Using the simple moniker "Love Your Heart," Go Red for Women aims to mobilize women, men, celebrities, healthcare providers and politicians to embrace and elevate the cause of women and heart disease.

To further this cause locally, Plattsburgh's Go Red for Women Dinner and Love Your Heart Seminar will be held on Wednesday at the Angell College Center on the SUNY Plattsburgh campus. Women who attend will be treated to a gourmet heart healthy dinner and an inspirational event which will include keynote speakers and heart healthy break-out sessions. There will be informational booths, health screenings, expert utrition, exercise, and financial information, a silent auction, Go Red Boutiques, and the opportunity to network with women (and men) from the North Country's medical, educational and businesses sectors. All proceeds benefit the Heart Association and the Go Red For Women campaign to fund lifesaving research and education.

The Women's Basketball Coaches Association began the WBCA Pink Zone™, formerly known as "Think Pink", in 2007 as an initiative to raise breast cancer awareness in women's basketball, on campuses and in communities. In 2007, more than 120 schools unified for this effort and helped make the inaugural year a success. In 2008, over 1,200 teams and organizations participated, reaching over 830,000 fans and raising over $930,000 for breast cancer awareness and research.

The Cardinals, who are coached by Cheryl Cole in her 12th season at the helm, have participated in the outreach program since its inception.

For more information on breast cancer facts, please log on to http://www.wbca.org/upload/Breast-Cancer-Facts.pdf .

Lakers Hand Plattsburgh a 10-Point Loss

OSWEGO, N.Y. - A balanced offense by the Plattsburgh State women's basketball team couldn't offset a 69-59 loss on the road to Oswego on Tuesday at the Max Ziel Gymnasium. The Cardinals dip to 5-8 overall, including a 2-3 mark in the State University of New York Athletic Conference. The Lakers up their record to 4-7 and 2-1.

Shoshana Harris led four Cardinals in double figures with 13 points, followed by Erin Silberberg with 12, Taylor Amarando had 11 and Megan Lynch produced 10. Molly Harte added seven points. Lynch handled the ball well by dishing eight assists against just one turnover, and she grabbed four rebounds.

Oswego's Kayla Ryan led all scorers with 26 points. Colleen McCready and Heather Merino were also in double figures with 16 and 12, respectively, and Rachel Kohrs had 10 rebounds for a game high.

The teams were tied at 24-all going into the intermission, but the Lakers outscored the Cardinals, 45-35, in the second half on the strength of 50.0 percent field goal shooting while holding the visitors to 35.1

Cardinals Lose at Buffalo State Bengals

BUFFALO - Host Buffalo State made free throws down the stretch to turn back Plattsburgh State, 55-51, in State University of New York Athletic Conference women's basketball action at the BSC Sports Arena on Saturday afternoon.  The Bengals won their first SUNYAC game of the season in four tries en route to improving to 2-10 overall, while the Cardinals drop to 5-7 and 2-2 in the conference.

Vanessa Arthurton led the Cardinals with game highs of 18 points, 10 rebounds and six steals, and Erin Silberberg came off the bench to net 16.

The Bengals were paced by Jessica Clark and Shareese Hamer who had 14 and 13 points, respectively.  Dee Layne grabbed 10 rebounds.

The Plattsburgh defense held Buffalo State to without a made field goal for the final 3 minutes and 44 seconds after Francesca Reckley's layup gave the Bengals a 51-49 lead.  However, the offense committed three turnovers in its last four possessions, sending the Bengals to the free throw line where they went 4-of-7 to end the game and seal the win.

Both teams shot 36 percent from the field where Plattsburgh had one more basket (21-20), but Buffalo State scored nine more points on free throws.

The teams were tied 26-26 at halftime.   

Cardinals' Defense Stifles Fredonia

FREDONIA, N.Y. -   Shoshana Harris registered her first career double-double with team highs of 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead visiting Plattsburgh State to a 59-48 victory Friday over Fredonia in State University of New York Athletic Conference women's basketball action at Steele Hall.  The Cardinals have won four of their last five games to move to 5-6 overall, 2-1 in the SUNYAC, while the Blue Devils fall to 6-5 (0-3 SUNYAC).

Kerri Salisbury added 11 points for the Cardinals, who exhibited good ball movement tonight with 14 assists on 19 field goals made.

For Fredonia, Angela Pucciarelli had 11 points and Katie Landy 10 to go along with a game-high 12 rebounds.  The Blue Devils outrebounded Plattsburgh 45 to 39, but shot only 31.5 percent (17-54) from the field and 55.0 percent (11-20) from the free throw line.

The opening 13 minutes of the game were close, featuring eight lead changes and five ties during that time.  But Salisbury nailed a 3-pointer with 7 minutes and 2 seconds left in the first half to put Plattsburgh ahead for good, 22-20, igniting a 13-3 run to end the half.

The Cardinals, who led by as many as 12 points in the second half, withstood a late Blue Devils' rally that cut the deficit to 52-48 with 51 seconds remaining, but went 5-for-6 down the stretch to ice the game.  

Newspaper Box Score
Plattsburgh vs Fredonia State
1/9/09 6 p.m. at Steele Hall, Fredonia, N.Y.
At Steele Hall, Fredonia, N.Y.
PLATTSBURGH 59, FREDONIA STATE 48
PLATTSBURGH (5-6, 2-1 SUNYAC)
HARRIS,Shoshana 5-14 5-8 16; SALISBURY,Kerri 4-9 2-4 11; SILBERBERG,Erin
3-14 2-2 9; ARTHURTON,Vanessa 3-6 3-6 9; LYNCH,Megan 2-6 4-4 9;
AMARANDO,Taylor 1-3 1-2 3; HARTE,Molly 1-2 0-0 2; LICATA,Kristen 0-1 0-0 0.
Totals 19-55 17-26 59.
FREDONIA STATE (6-5, 0-3 SUNYAC)
PUCCIARELLI, Angela 4-14 2-4 11; LANDY, Katie 3-11 4-6 10; GAETA, Merissa
3-11 3-6 9; HOURIHAN, Caroline 3-6 0-0 7; KINGSTON, Courtney 2-5 1-2 5;
BREWER, Jenny 2-3 0-0 5; RENAUD, Leisel 0-1 1-2 1; HARRINGTON, Kalli 0-1 0-0
0; D'ERCOLE, Kristina 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 17-54 11-20 48.
Plattsburgh...................   32   27  -   59
Fredonia State................   23   25  -   48
3-point goals-Plattsburgh 4-6 (LYNCH,Megan 1-1; SALISBURY,Kerri 1-1;
HARRIS,Shoshana 1-1; SILBERBERG,Erin 1-3), Fredonia State 3-10 (BREWER,
Jenny 1-2; HOURIHAN, Caroline 1-2; PUCCIARELLI, Angela 1-6). Fouled
out--Plattsburgh-None, Fredonia State-None. Rebounds-Plattsburgh 39
(HARRIS,Shoshana 10), Fredonia State 45 (LANDY, Katie 12).
Assists-Plattsburgh 14 (SALISBURY,Kerri 3; LYNCH,Megan 3; SILBERBERG,Erin
3), Fredonia State 10 (HOURIHAN, Caroline 3). Total fouls-Plattsburgh 17,
Fredonia State 21. A-101

Panthers Snap Cardinals' 3-Game Win Streak

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. -  Taylor Amarando led four Plattsburgh State players in double figures with 16 points, but Middlebury got a game-high 19 from Emily Johnson to win 63-56 Tuesday in non-conference women's basketball action at Memorial Hall.  The Cardinals drop to 4-6 while the Panthers draw even at 5-5.

In addition to Amarando, Kerri Salisbury (14), Shoshana Harris (11) and Erin Silberberg (10) reached double digits in points for the Cardinals, who shot 39.0 percent from the field.

Kaitlyn Fallon added 14 points and seven rebounds for the Panthers, and Lauren Sanchez chipped in 10 rebounds.

The Cardinals led for the first 4 minutes of the opening tip and then fell behind by as much as 12 points in the first half before going on an 8-1 run to get within five points near the end of the half.  In the second half, the Panthers restored their double-digit lead before the Cardinals eventually went ahead, 52-51, on a pair of Amarando free throws with 4 minutes and 39 seconds to play.  But the Cardinals didn't score a field goal in the final 4:21 and the Panthers closed on a 12-2 run to end the game, icing it from the free throw line. 

Newspaper Box Score
Middlebury vs Plattsburgh State
01/06/09 6 p.m. EST at Plattsburgh, N.Y.; Memorial Hall
At Plattsburgh, N.Y.; Memorial Hall
MIDDLEBURY 63, PLATTSBURGH STATE 56
MIDDLEBURY (5-5)
Emily Johnson 6-13 3-4 19; Kaitlyn Fallon 5-7 4-4 14; Brittany Perfetti 2-2
0-0 6; Roz Vara 2-2 2-4 6; Alana Wall 2-5 1-1 5; Lauren Sanchez 2-4 1-4 5;
Allison Needham 1-2 3-4 5; Ashley Barron 1-10 1-2 3; Elissa Goeke 0-3 0-0 0;
Alison Wells 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 21-48 15-23 63.
PLATTSBURGH STATE (4-6)
AMARANDO,Taylor 6-11 4-6 16; SALISBURY,Kerri 6-10 0-0 14; HARRIS,Shoshana
5-12 0-0 11; SILBERBERG,Erin 4-11 2-3 10; ARTHURTON,Vanessa 1-4 0-0 2;
McCOY,Stephanie 1-3 0-0 2; HARTE,Molly 0-3 1-4 1; SILVER,Elizabeth 0-0 0-0
0; LYNCH,Megan 0-5 0-0 0. Totals 23-59 7-13 56.
Middlebury....................   32   31  -   63
Plattsburgh State.............   24   32  -   56
3-point goals--Middlebury 6-15 (Emily Johnson 4-7; Brittany Perfetti 2-2;
Ashley Barron 0-6), Plattsburgh State 3-13 (SALISBURY,Kerri 2-5;
HARRIS,Shoshana 1-3; LYNCH,Megan 0-2; SILBERBERG,Erin 0-3). Fouled
out--Middlebury-None, Plattsburgh State-ARTHURTON,Vanessa; LYNCH,Megan.
Rebounds--Middlebury 39 (Lauren Sanchez 10), Plattsburgh State 30
(HARTE,Molly 10). Assists--Middlebury 14 (Emily Johnson 6), Plattsburgh
State 16 (LYNCH,Megan 5). Total fouls--Middlebury 13, Plattsburgh State 20.
Technical fouls--Middlebury-None, Plattsburgh State-None. A-175
Non-conference game.

Arthurton Named to All-Grand Canyon Classic Team

MESA, Ariz. -  Plattsburgh State women's basketball player Vanessa Arthurton was selected to the all-tournament team at the Grand Canyon Classic, where the Cardinals went 2-0 over the weekend with victories over Rose-Hulman, 53-52, and Lesley, 69-61.  That announcement was made by Head Coach Cheryl Cole.

The senior guard from Troy (N.Y.) High School averaged 8.0 points, 10.5 rebounds and 4.0 steals.  Arthurton pulled down a game-best 14 rebounds versus Lesley. 

Cardinals End Calendar Year on 3-Game Win Streak

MESA, Ariz. -   The Plattsburgh State women's basketball team entered the second half of Wednesday's game against Lesley University with a 10-point lead and never looked back. The Cardinals defeated the Lady Lynxes, 69-61, at the Grand Canyon Classic held at Skyline High School, placing them 2-0 in the event.

Erin Silberberg, who netted the game-winning shot at the final buzzer against Rose-Hulman just two days ago, dropped in a team-high 19 points off the bench for the Cardinals. Kerri Salisbury and Taylor Amarando recorded 14 and 11 points, respectively. Vanessa Arthurton pulled down a game-high 14 rebounds. Meanwhile, Shoshana Harris dished six assists and Molly Harte snatched five steals.

Plattsburgh's lead peaked at 19 points during the second half when Silberberg completed a 3-point play with 13 minutes and 53 seconds left, but then had to withstand a furious rally by the Lady Lynxes, who ended the game on a 34-23 run to cut the deficit to single-digits.

The victory raises Plattsburgh's record to 4-5 on the year, while Lesley falls to 1-7. The Cardinals return to New York on Tuesday when they face off against Middlebury College at 6 p.m. at home.

Newspaper Box Score
Lesley University vs Plattsburgh State
12-31-08 12:00 p.m. at Mesa, AZ (Skyline High School)
At Mesa, AZ (Skyline High School)
PLATTSBURGH STATE 69, LESLEY UNIVERSITY 61
LESLEY UNIVERSITY (1-7)
WECHSLER, Kaitlyn 3-9 8-10 14; CABRAL-PINI, Lani 2-4 3-4 8; LOWE, Hailee 3-8
1-3 8; SALTZMAN, Georgia 3-7 0-0 7; CAIRA, Brianne 3-5 1-2 7; HARRINGTON,
Kelly 2-3 1-2 7; FREED, Cassidy 3-4 0-2 6; O'MARA, Rachel 1-6 2-2 4;
DIGIORGIO, Christina 0-0 0-0 0; FRALICK, Jodi 0-3 0-0 0. Totals 20-49 16-25
61.
PLATTSBURGH STATE (4-5)
SILBERBERG, Erin 6-16 5-10 19; SALISBURY, Kerri 5-8 1-4 14; AMARANDO, Taylor
5-5 1-1 11; LYNCH, Megan 3-4 1-2 7; ARTHURTON, Vanessa 3-9 0-0 6; HARRIS,
Shoshana 2-6 1-5 5; HARTE, Molly 1-9 2-6 4; SILVER, Elizabeth 1-2 0-0 3;
MCCOY, Stephanie 0-0 0-0 0; SPENO, Olivia 0-0 0-0 0; LICATA, Kristen 0-1 0-0
0. Totals 26-60 11-28 69.
Lesley University.............   21   40  -   61
Plattsburgh State ..   31   38  -   69
3-point goals--Lesley University 5-13 (HARRINGTON, Kelly 2-2; CABRAL-PINI,
Lani 1-2; LOWE, Hailee 1-2; SALTZMAN, Georgia 1-4; O'MARA, Rachel 0-2;
CAIRA, Brianne 0-1), Plattsburgh State 6-14 (SALISBURY, Kerri
3-6; SILBERBERG, Erin 2-5; SILVER, Elizabeth 1-1; HARRIS, Shoshana 0-2).
Fouled out--Lesley University-None, Plattsburgh State-None.
Rebounds--Lesley University 41 (WECHSLER, Kaitlyn 9), Plattsburgh State 36
(ARTHURTON, Vanessa 14). Assists--Lesley University 6 (FREED,
Cassidy 2; WECHSLER, Kaitlyn 2), Plattsburgh State 16 (HARRIS,
Shoshana 6). Total fouls--Lesley University 20, Plattsburgh State
19. Technical fouls--Lesley University-None, Plattsburgh State-None. A-78

Silberberg Buzzer-Beater Downs Rose-Hulman

MESA, Ariz. -  Freshman Erin Silberberg buried a three-pointer as the final buzzer sounded from right in front of her bench to send the Plattsburgh State women's basketball team to a 53-52 victory Monday over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology at the Grand Canyon Classic held at Skyline High School. 

Trailing by nine points at one time during the second half, Plattsburgh rallied to pick up its third win of the season. The Cardinals now stand at 3-5 while Rose-Hulman drops to 3-6.

Vanessa Arthurton and Shoshana Harris each recorded 10 points for the Cardinals, while Silberberg contributed nine off the bench. Arthurton and Megan Lynch each snatched five steals, and Taylor Amarando matched Arthurton's seven rebounds.

Plattsburgh coach Cheryl Cole called a timeout with 11 minutes and 42 seconds remaining in the game, and the Cardinals trailing 42-33.  The team responded with a 7-0 run over the next 2:50 to pull within 42-40, with Silberberg scoring six on two lay-ins and a jumper.

Both schools traded points the rest of the way.  Bethany Brisco sank two free throws to put Rose-Hulman up 52-50 with 14 seconds to play, and then the Engineers called timeout to set up their defense.

Silberberg found an opening and nailed her only trey of the morning to set off a wild celebration by her teammates.

Newspaper Box Score
Plattsburgh State vs Rose-Hulman Institute of Tech.
12-29-08 10:00 a.m. at Mesa, AZ (Skyline High School)
At Mesa, AZ (Skyline High School)
PLATTSBURGH STATE  53, ROSE-HULMAN INSTITUTE OF TECH. 52
PLATTSBURGH STATE (3-5)
ARTHURTON, Vanessa 3-7 4-7 10; HARRIS, Shoshana 4-7 0-0 10; SILBERBERG, Erin
4-12 0-0 9; LYNCH, Megan 3-7 2-3 8; HARTE, Molly 2-4 2-2 6; SALISBURY, Kerri
2-3 0-0 5; AMARANDO, Taylor 2-5 1-2 5; MCCOY, Stephanie 0-0 0-0 0; SILVER,
Elizabeth 0-3 0-0 0. Totals 20-48 9-14 53.
ROSE-HULMAN INSTITUTE OF TECH. (3-6)
BANET, Shayna 5-8 5-6 15; RIDGWAY, Liz 6-10 0-0 12; MARSH, Donna 3-6 2-4 8;
BRISCO, Bethany 1-3 3-4 6; HENKE, Theresa 2-2 0-0 4; BACA, Eli 1-9 1-4 3;
KLASS, Nicole 1-3 0-0 2; DICKERSON, Alisa 1-4 0-0 2; BOWERMASTER, Rebecca
0-1 0-0 0; KEMP, Grace 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 20-47 11-18 52.
Plattsburgh State ..   24   29  -   53
Rose-Hulman Institute of Tech.   23   29  -   52
3-point goals--Plattsburgh State 4-12 (HARRIS, Shoshana 2-4;
SALISBURY, Kerri 1-1; SILBERBERG, Erin 1-4; SILVER, Elizabeth 0-1; LYNCH,
Megan 0-2), Rose-Hulman Institute of Tech. 1-6 (BRISCO, Bethany 1-2; KLASS,
Nicole 0-1; DICKERSON, Alisa 0-1; KEMP, Grace 0-1; BANET, Shayna 0-1).
Fouled out--Plattsburgh State-None, Rose-Hulman Institute of
Tech.-BANET, Shayna. Rebounds--Plattsburgh State 31 (ARTHURTON,
Vanessa 7; AMARANDO, Taylor 7), Rose-Hulman Institute of Tech. 32 (BACA, Eli
6). Assists--Plattsburgh State 8 (LYNCH, Megan 3), Rose-Hulman
Institute of Tech. 12 (BACA, Eli 5). Total fouls--Plattsburgh State
14, Rose-Hulman Institute of Tech. 18. Technical
fouls--Plattsburgh State-HARRIS, Shoshana, Rose-Hulman Institute
of Tech.-None. A-75 

Amarando Awarded SUNYAC Player of the Week

FREDONIA, N.Y. -  Taylor Amarando of Plattsburgh State has been named the State University of New York Athletic Conference women's basketball player of the week, for the period ending Sunday.

A sophomore forward from Niskayuna, Amarando (Colonie High School) averaged 20.7 points and nine rebounds over three games last week to lead the Cardinals in both categories. She posted a double-double against Geneseo on Saturday (25 points, 10 rebounds) and also broke the 20-point mark against St. Lawrence last Tuesday.  She shot 56.3 percent (27-48) from the field.  

Plattsburgh Nets Second Win of the Season

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. -   Taylor Amarando led the Plattsburgh State women's basketball team to a 62-54 victory over visiting Geneseo on Saturday at Memorial Hall. She posted a double-double consisting of a season-high 25 points and 10 rebounds. The Cardinals now stand even in the State University of New York Athletic Conference with a 1-1 record, 2-5 overall. Meanwhile, Geneseo falls to 0-3 in the SUNYAC, 1-6 on the season.

Amarando not only led the Cardinals offensively, but she and Vanessa Arthurton each grabbed a season-high tying four steals. Kerri Salisbury also recorded a season-high with her eight assists on the day.

For Geneseo, Tracy Wangelin led the Blue Knights offensive push with 16 points. Bridget Riley contributed 15 rebounds and two steals, while Amanda Bihr dished out five assists.

Newspaper Box Score
Geneseo vs Plattsburgh State
12/6/08 2 p.m. EST at Plattsburgh, N.Y.; Memorial Hall
At Plattsburgh, N.Y.; Memorial Hall
PLATTSBURGH STATE 62, GENESEO 54
GENESEO (1-6, 0-3 SUNYAC)
WANGELIN, Tracy 6-15 3-4 16; JAFFIE, Kate 3-4 3-4 11; BIHR, Amanda 2-6 3-3
7; LOUGHLIN, Melissa 3-5 1-1 7; RILEY, Bridget 3-6 0-0 6; DUNTON, Bri 1-8
0-0 3; RUBACK, Stephanie 1-1 0-0 2; HOWE, Claire 0-0 2-4 2; SCORDINO, Jamie
0-7 0-0 0; CHARBONNEAU, Katelyn 0-4 0-0 0. Totals 19-56 12-16 54.
PLATTSBURGH STATE (2-5, 1-1 SUNYAC)
AMARANDO,Taylor 12-21 1-2 25; HARRIS,Shoshana 7-19 0-0 16; ARTHURTON,Vanessa
3-6 2-2 8; SALISBURY,Kerri 2-8 2-2 6; SILBERBERG,Erin 2-5 0-0 6; HARTE,Molly
0-3 1-2 1; McCOY,Stephanie 0-1 0-0 0; LYNCH,Megan 0-3 0-1 0. Totals 26-66
6-9 62.
Geneseo.......................   26   28  -   54
Plattsburgh State.............   25   37  -   62
3-point goals--Geneseo 4-16 (JAFFIE, Kate 2-2; DUNTON, Bri 1-6; WANGELIN,
Tracy 1-3; SCORDINO, Jamie 0-1; CHARBONNEAU, Katelyn 0-2; BIHR, Amanda 0-2),
Plattsburgh State 4-12 (HARRIS,Shoshana 2-4; SILBERBERG,Erin 2-4;
SALISBURY,Kerri 0-2; LYNCH,Megan 0-2). Fouled out--Geneseo-None, Plattsburgh
State-None. Rebounds--Geneseo 43 (RILEY, Bridget 15), Plattsburgh State 35
(AMARANDO,Taylor 10). Assists--Geneseo 15 (BIHR, Amanda 5), Plattsburgh
State 20 (SALISBURY,Kerri 8). Total fouls--Geneseo 15, Plattsburgh State 16.
Technical fouls--Geneseo-None, Plattsburgh State-None. A-101
State University of New York Athletic Conference game.

Brockport Pulls Away in Second Half

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. -  Kerri Salisbury scored 11 points and dished six assists, and Vanessa Arthurton pulled down a career-high 18 rebounds, but it wasn't enough in Plattsburgh State's 64-57 loss to the College of Brockport Friday in the State University of New York Athletic Conference opener for both schools at Memorial Hall.  The Cardinals fall to 1-5 overall while the Golden Eagles improve to 3-1.

Brenlyn Campbell led Brockport with 17 points to lead all scorers, to go along with seven rebounds and three steals.  Jen Buskus chipped in 12 points, including 10-of-12 shooting from the free throw line.

Taylor Amarando added 14 points for the Cardinals, who took their first lead of the second half on a Megan Lynch 3-pointer that made the score 36-35 with 16 minutes and 20 seconds left.

Campbell gave the visitors the lead for good, 49-48, on a lay-in with 8:01 remaining.  The Golden Eagles were up by as many as nine points.   

Newspaper Box Score
Brockport vs Plattsburgh State
12/5/08 6 p.m. EST at Plattsburgh, N.Y.; Memorial Hall
At Plattsburgh, N.Y.; Memorial Hall
BROCKPORT 64, PLATTSBURGH STATE 57
BROCKPORT (3-1, 1-0 SUNYAC)
CAMPBELL, Brenlyn 7-15 3-5 17; BUSKUS, Jen 1-4 10-14 12; CSAKANY, Rachel 4-6
0-2 8; BREWER, Molly 3-3 2-5 8; SMITH, Whitney 3-10 0-2 7; YOHANNES, Erica
1-3 0-0 3; BUSHEY, Sarah 1-1 0-0 3; MATTHEWS, Kiomi 1-6 0-0 2; WOOD,
Kristina 1-2 0-0 2; GROVE, Lacey 1-1 0-0 2. Totals 23-51 15-28 64.
PLATTSBURGH STATE (1-5, 0-1 SUNYAC)
AMARANDO,Taylor 6-14 2-6 14; SALISBURY,Kerri 4-9 0-0 11; SILBERBERG,Erin
3-13 1-2 9; LYNCH,Megan 3-6 0-0 8; ARTHURTON,Vanessa 3-8 1-1 7;
HARRIS,Shoshana 2-14 0-1 6; HARTE,Molly 1-2 0-0 2; McCOY,Stephanie 0-0 0-0
0. Totals 22-66 4-10 57.
Brockport.....................   33   31  -   64
Plattsburgh State.............   29   28  -   57
3-point goals--Brockport 3-9 (SMITH, Whitney 1-4; YOHANNES, Erica 1-3;
BUSHEY, Sarah 1-1; BUSKUS, Jen 0-1), Plattsburgh State 9-18 (SALISBURY,Kerri
3-7; LYNCH,Megan 2-4; SILBERBERG,Erin 2-3; HARRIS,Shoshana 2-4). Fouled
out--Brockport-CAMPBELL, Brenlyn, Plattsburgh State-LYNCH,Megan.
Rebounds--Brockport 37 (BREWER, Molly 7; CAMPBELL, Brenlyn 7), Plattsburgh
State 47 (ARTHURTON,Vanessa 18). Assists--Brockport 13 (BUSKUS, Jen 4),
Plattsburgh State 18 (SALISBURY,Kerri 6). Total fouls--Brockport 17,
Plattsburgh State 22. Technical fouls--Brockport-None, Plattsburgh
State-None. A-200
State University of New York Athletic Conference game.  

Saints Top Cardinals at Saint Lawrence

CANTON, N.Y. -  Taylor Amarando had a stellar game by sinking 23 points and recording eight boards on Tuesday, but it was not enough to help the Plattsburgh State women's basketball team defeat the St. Lawrence University Saints in non-conference action on their homecourt. The Cardinals lost the contest, 63-53, and dropped to 1-4 on the year.

The first half ended with the Saints ahead 28-18, and they continued the momentum in the second by never relinquishing the lead. Plattsburgh managed to shoot only 26.9 percent from the field to begin the game, but improved significantly and sank just over 48 percent of its shots in the final 20 minutes.

Vanessa Arthurton matched Amarando with eight rebounds and was second on the team with nine points during the evening. Shoshana Harris led the Cardinals with five assists and three steals.

The Cardinals return home on Friday to open up State University of New York Athletic Conference play against Brockport at 6 p.m. in Memorial Hall. 

Clarkson Comes Back to Down Cardinals

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - The Plattsburgh State women's basketball team held a double-digit lead in the second half on Tuesday evening, but it wasn't enough as visiting Clarkson came back to register a 60-57 victory in non-conference action at Memorial Hall.  The Cardinals fall to 1-3 on the season while the Golden Knights improve to 3-1.

Vanessa Arthurton led Plattsburgh with a double double of 16 points and 10 rebounds, plus four steals.  Erin Silberberg added 14 points, and Taylor Amarando had 10 points and eight rebounds.

Carey Turner paced a balanced Clarkson offense with a game-high 18 points, followed by Lauren Pluchino off the bench with 17 on 7-of-9 shooting and three 3-pointers, and Michelle Reddinger had 10.

Megan Lynch nailed a 3-pointer with 12 minutes and 16 seconds remaining in the game to give Plattsburgh its biggest lead of 14 points at 45-31.

The Golden Knights responded with a 12-2 run during a 5-minute span as Pluchino scored 10 points to ignite the comeback.  They trailed 47-43 with 7:07 left.

A layup and trey by Turner gave Clarkson its first lead, 52-49, before Silberberg tied the score with a 3-pointer with 2:19 left.  Reddinger then converted a layup to put the Golden Knights up for good.

The Cardinals had two chances in the final 9 seconds to send the game into overtime but long-range shots by Silberberg and Amarando bounced off the rim.

In the second half, Clarkson made 53.6 percent on field goals while Plattsburgh shot just 31.0 percent.  The Cardinals also missed seven free throws.

Newspaper Box Score
Clarkson vs Plattsburgh State
11/25/08 6 p.m. EST at Plattsburgh, N.Y.; Memorial Hall
At Plattsburgh, N.Y.; Memorial Hall
CLARKSON 60, PLATTSBURGH STATE 57
CLARKSON (3-1)
Carey Turner 8-15 0-1 18; Lauren Pluchino 7-9 0-0 17; Michelle Reddinger 4-5
2-2 10; Katie Goldberg 1-7 2-2 5; Sierra Noles 1-4 0-1 3; Ariana Czech 1-4
1-2 3; Monica Thomas 1-1 0-0 2; Rachel Whitermore 1-2 0-1 2; Chrissy Scanlon
0-1 0-0 0; Morgan Carella 0-1 0-0 0; Casey Laush 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 24-51 5-9
60.
PLATTSBURGH STATE (1-3)
ARTHURTON,Vanessa 7-13 2-4 16; SILBERBERG,Erin 5-22 3-4 14; AMARANDO,Taylor
4-9 2-7 10; HARRIS,Shoshana 4-5 0-1 8; McCOY,Stephanie 3-9 0-1 6;
LYNCH,Megan 1-1 0-0 3; HARTE,Molly 0-2 0-1 0; SALISBURY,Kerri 0-13 0-0 0;
SILVER,Elizabeth 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 24-74 7-18 57.
Clarkson......................   25   35  -   60
Plattsburgh State.............   35   22  -   57
3-point goals--Clarkson 7-21 (Lauren Pluchino 3-4; Carey Turner 2-3; Katie
Goldberg 1-7; Sierra Noles 1-4; Morgan Carella 0-1; Casey Laush 0-1; Ariana
Czech 0-1), Plattsburgh State 2-11 (LYNCH,Megan 1-1; SILBERBERG,Erin 1-5;
SALISBURY,Kerri 0-4; AMARANDO,Taylor 0-1). Fouled out--Clarkson-None,
Plattsburgh State-None. Rebounds--Clarkson 40 (Michelle Reddinger 8; Rachel
Whitermore 8), Plattsburgh State 46 (ARTHURTON,Vanessa 10).
Assists--Clarkson 17 (Carey Turner 7), Plattsburgh State 14 (SALISBURY,Kerri
5). Total fouls--Clarkson 19, Plattsburgh State 17. Technical
fouls--Clarkson-None, Plattsburgh State-None. A-165
Non-conference game.     

Trinity Beats Plattsburgh for Classic Crown

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - Tournament most valuable player Christine Card had game highs of 23 points and 15 rebounds to lead visiting Trinity (Conn.) past Plattsburgh State 64-47 in the championship game of the Cardinal Classic on Saturday afternoon at Memorial Hall.  The Bantams remain unbeaten at 4-0 overall while the Cardinals dip to 1-2.

All-Tournament Team: Emma Pasquale (Colby-Sawyer), Taylor Amarando (Plattsburgh), Tess Donie (Trinity), Claire Arnstein (Trinity), MVP Christine Card (Trinity).

Trinity took advantage of Plattsburgh's early shooting woes and took a 39-19 halftime lead.  The Cardinals made only 25 percent of their field goal attempts (9-of-36) while the Bantams were at a 47.2 clip (17-of-36).  Trinity maintained a double-digit lead throughout the second half, although Vanessa Arthurton scored six points during an 11-2 Plattsburgh run in the opening minutes that made it 41-30 only to see the Bantams respond with 7-0 run to make it an 18-point cushion with 13 minutes and 38 seconds left.

Claire Arnstein added 12 points, five rebounds and three steals for the Bantams, who held a 48-36 rebounding advantage.

Plattsburgh's Erin Silberberg had a team-high 19 points off the bench, Arthurton added 13 rebounds and four steals, and Taylor Amarando chipped in 11 points.

In the Third Place Game, Colby-Sawyer (3-1) whipped Wheelock (0-3), 79-26, behind a stifling defense that held the Wildcats to only 17.5 (10-of-57) shooting from the floor.  Ellen Naughton led three scorers in double-figures for the winners with a game-best 17 points, and Emma Pasquale pulled down 14 rebounds.  No Wildcats reached double figures, but Jessica Battista scored eight points.    

Plattsburgh & Trinity Vie for Cardinal Classic Title

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - The Plattsburgh State women's basketball team made 10 of its first 11 shots from the field in the opening 6 minutes and 18 seconds of the game and cruised to an easy 89-46 victory Friday against Wheelock in the first semifinal game of the Cardinal Classic at Memorial Hall.

The Cardinals (1-1 overall) will square off against Trinity (Conn.), which was a 70-50 winner over Colby-Sawyer in the other semifinal of the night, in the championship game on Saturday at 3 p.m.

Taylor Amarando led five Cardinals in double figures with a game-high 18 points on 9-of-13 shooting from the floor.  She was followed by Molly Harte with 17, Kerri Salisbury and Stephanie McCoy with 11 each and Erin Silberberg added 10.

Jessica Battista paced the Wildcats (0-2) with 15 points, and Kerry Casey had a game-best 11 rebounds.

Plattsburgh forced 28 Wheelock turnovers into 19 steals, including each starter with at least one led by Elizabeth Silver with four.

The Cardinals' hot streak in the beginning eventually cooled to 48.8 percent (20-41) field goal shooting at the half, but had already built a huge lead of 48-19 going into the locker room. The hosts also did a very solid job of looking for the open player, registering 29 assists on 39 field goals made.  Megan Lynch and Silver each dished five assists.

Kaitlin Ciarleglio led the Trinity Bantams (3-0) with a team-leading 16 points and three steals.

Terri Duffy had a double-double with game highs of 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Chargers (2-1), who shot just 36.6 percent from the floor and committed 24 turnovers.  

Cadets Prevail over Cardinals in Season Opener

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - Erin Silberberg scored 15 points in her freshman debut and Taylor Amarando also was in double figures with 13, but it wasn't enough as the Plattsburgh State women's basketball team fell to visiting Norwich, 62-55, Saturday afternoon at Memorial Hall.  It was the season opener for both schools.

The victorious Cadets received double-double performances from three players: Jess Jaggars (11 points, 12 rebounds), Christine Daniels (11, 10) and Ally Daniels (11, 10).

Plattsburgh held a 27-23 halftime lead and a Silberberg 3-pointer gave the Cardinals their biggest cushion at eight after 4 minutes gone in the second half.

The Cadets converted 16 of 22 free throws to end the game while Plattsburgh made 10 points from the stripe.

Norwich dominated the glass, 46 to 26.  Vanessa Arthurton had nine points and nine rebounds for the Cardinals.   

Kraft Tabbed as New Assistant Coach

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - Plattsburgh State women's basketball coach Cheryl Cole has announced the hiring of Melissa Kraft as the program's top assistant coach.  Kraft comes to the Cardinals after serving last year as an assistant coach at Drew University in Madison, N.J.  

"I am looking forward to Melissa joining my staff.  She had an outstanding playing career, has coaching experience, and is passionate about the game and teaching it," Cole said. "From Staten Island, she will immediately have an impact on our recruiting efforts in the downstate and surrounding areas.  I believe she will challenge our players immediately and help us move the program to a higher level."

While with the Rangers, Kraft worked with guards and post players on individual skill development and monitored the team's academics.  In addition, she was the head softball coach at St. Joseph Hill Academy, managing a budget, supervising assistant coaches and developing student-athletes.

Kraft helped guard Allison Hartnett earn 2008 All-Landmark Conference honors as the league's second-leading scorer.  The Rangers last year also ranked first in the LC in rebounding defense (34.6 rpg) and 3-point field goal percentage defense (.253).

Kraft has been a counselor at several basketball camps including the University of Connecticut and Drew.

Kraft received a bachelor of arts degree from Drew in May 2007, majoring in history with a political science minor.

The Staten Island product played basketball and softball for the Rangers.  She capped her collegiate career as the 2007 Drew Female Athlete of the Year.  She was a two-time Academic Middle Atlantic Conference honoree and was named to the MAC Freedom all-conference team in basketball three times and softball twice.  She was a team captain in both sports and served on the Student-Athlete Advisory, Varsity D and Muscular Dystrophy committees.

Kraft replaces Kerry Chapin who returns to her assistant sports information director's post at Plattsburgh. 

Coach's Corner 

Cheryl Cole, Women's Basketball Coach

"We want student-athletes who are willing to challenge themselves and their teammates on the court and in the classroom. Academic success is our #1 priority and our team grade-point average is consistently above the general student population.

"We are actively involved in various community service projects throughout the season including the American Heart Walk, reading programs, Adopt-A-Friend, and role modeling programs. As a top spectator sport within our community, women's basketball draws comprehensive media coverage, including feature articles and highlights on the local NBC affiliate's newscasts. For the basketball player looking for a rewarding challenge academically and athletically, Plattsburgh State is an excellent choice." Learn more about Coach Cheryl Cole.

A Growing Regional Power

The women's basketball team has steadily grown into a conference and regional power, setting a new standard of excellence as recently as 2002 with a team-record 16 wins. The Car dinals play an exciting brand of basketball, mixing up-tempo transition play with an emphasis on solid defense and ball control. The team carries a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 15 players who compete in 25 regular season games leading into post-season.

Plattsburgh State annually hosts the Cardinal Classic, one of the top season-opening tournaments in the state. The team has come to not only expect post-season play, but to advance and has an eye on the coveted conference championship. The Cardinals compete in one of the top athletic conferences in the nation, the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC ), and the conference champion gains automatic entry into the NCAA Championship Tournament.

The women's basketball team, like all intercollegiate athletics teams at Plattsburgh State, focuses on a commitment to competitive excellence, academic achievement, and community service.