Stelloh Named NAIA All-American Women’s basketball forward named to list for first time
Mar. 23, 2009
Milwaukee, Wis. – Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.), of the Cardinal Stritch University Wolves women’s basketball team, has been named a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All-American for the first time in her career at Stritch. The junior, who was named an honorable mention selection, was also named All-State by Inside Wisconsin Sports Magazine in the April edition.
The awards by Stelloh go along with having been named the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) Player of the Year for the first time. She was also named CCAC All-Conference first team for the third straight season.
“Stelloh did a great job for us all season long,” head coach Rich Panella said. “She works very hard to be a good player and has developed into one of those game-changing players you love to have in your lineup. We couldn’t be more proud of her success and the earning of this recognition.”
The reigning conference Player of the Year, led the Wolves in scoring, adding 472 points during the season, while breaking the 1,000 point mark on Feb. 18 against Purdue University Calumet. The junior also led the team in three-pointers made (68), free throws made (56), and steals (67). She was second on the team in rebounding, averaging 5 per game. Stelloh posted her career high during the 2008-09 season, netting 28 points on Nov. 21 against Lindenwood University.
The 5-11 forward was the second top scorer in the conference, averaging 15.2 points per game. She was also second in three-pointers made, sinking 68 throughout the season. The junior was third in steals per game, averaging 2.11, and also was in the top ten in the conference in rebounding, averaging 4.9 boards a game, and blocked shots, with 16 blocks on the season.
Stelloh is a part of a lineup that will return all five starters and will be looking to defend their CCAC regular season and tournament championships in the 2009-10 season.
Gilgenbach, Herrera, and Skorusa Named NAIA Scholar-AthletesStritch athletes succeed in the classroom and on the court
Mar. 23, 2009
Milwaukee, Wis. - Though the season has ended for the Cardinal Stritch University women’s basketball team, the accolades continue. Most recently, three athletes from the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) Tournament Championship team were named National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Scholar-Athletes.
Beth Gilgenbach, a 5-6 junior guard from Fond du Lac, Wis. receives the honor for the first time during her career at Stritch. Gilgenbach is majoring in Political Communications. She has been named to the Dean’s List in both her freshman and sophomore years, and is currently the president of the Student Government Association.
Marianna Herrera also receives the NAIA Scholor-Athlete award for the first time. The junior is a nursing major that has earned Dean’s List honors in all of her semesters at Stritch. The Pewaukee, Wis. native was also named the CCAC All-Conference team for her efforts this season.
Another junior to receive the honor of Scholar-Athlete for the first time is Renet Skorusa (Lemont, Ill.). The 5-10 forward is majoring in business and plans to open an automotive shop after graduation. She has been named to the Dean’s List in each of her semesters at Stritch. Skorusa was also named to the CCAC All-Conference team this season.
“It’s very important for us to see our student-athletes get recognized for their achievements in the classroom,” Director of Athletics Pat Clemens said. “It’s not easy to be a student-athlete because of the schedule demands, but our coaches do a great job at stressing the importance of academic success and ensuring that their players understand that academics are extremely important in the scheme of things.”
In order to receive this honor, each athlete must be nominated by their head coach, have achieved junior academic standing, and maintain a minimum grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Stritch Falls to Golden EaglesCornerstone knocks out Wolves in first round of NationalsMar. 11, 2009
Sioux City, Iowa – The Cardinal Stritch University women’s basketball team traveled to Sioux City, Iowa to face Cornerstone University in the first round of the NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championship Tournament. The Wolves started out strong against the Golden Eagles, but poor shooting (29 percent from the field) and a lack of rebounding (33 compared to Cornerstone’s 51) brought Stritch down, as they fell to Cornerstone for the second time this season, 72-53.
During the first period, the Wolves started out hot, jumping out to a 9-0 lead. The margin quickly evaporated as the Golden Eagles found a spark after a Tami Thelen (Lake Odessa, Mich.) three-pointer, and were soon able to tie the score at 12. The game remained close throughout the first half until Cornerstone began to pull away in the final minutes of the period, closing the half up 40-32
Though the Wolves made an early attempt to close the gap, pulling to within four points on a three-pointer by Brittany Daum (Gilberts, Ill.), they were not able catch the Golden Eagles. Cornerstone continued to expand their lead, and finished the game with a 19-point advantage, beating Stritch 72-53.
Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.) led the Wolves in the losing effort, contributing 16 points and six rebounds. Marianna Herrera (Pewaukee, Wis.) and Dorianne Davis (Milwaukee, Wis.) each added eight points, and Renet Skorusa (Lemont, Ill.) pulled down six rebounds for the Wolves.
Three Golden Eagle players scored in double digits, as Brooke Carter (Byron Center, Mich.) scored 18 and Kara Overbeek (Zeeland, Mich.) netted 14. Jenna Plewes (Zeeland, Mich.) registered a double double, contributing 12 points and 10 rebounds in the win.
The loss ends the season for the Wolves, who finish 20-11 this season. Despite today’s loss, Stritch still had an incredibly successful season, winning their second consecutive and eighth overall Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) tournament championship and receiving a number of post season awards, including Coach of the Year (Rich Panella) and Player of the Year (Stelloh).
Women’s Basketball Finishes Strong with Conference Awards Panella and Stelloh earn Coach and Player of the YearMarch 4, 2009
Milwaukee, Wis. – The Cardinal Stritch University women’s basketball team cleaned up on Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) post-season honors, with five members garnering All-Conference awards. Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.), Brittany Daum (Gilberts, Ill.), Marianna Herrera (Pewaukee, Wis.), Renet Skorusa (Lemont, Ill.), and Rich Panella each earned a spot on the CCAC awards list. Junior, Michelle Stelloh, was named Player of the Year, while head Coach Rich Panella was named Coach of the Year.
Head Coach Rich Panella, who was named Coach of the Year for the 16th time in his career at Stritch, won his eighth CCAC Tournament Championship this season, and will lead his team to their thirteenth NAIA National Tournament appearance next week. Panella registered his 500th career win this season, on Nov. 15 against Mount Mercy College.
Stelloh, the CCAC Player of the Year, led the Wolves in scoring, adding 456 points during the season, while breaking the 1,000 point mark on Feb. 18 against Purdue University Calumet. The junior, who receives first team honors for the third consecutive year, also led the team in three-pointers made (65), free throws made (55), and steals (63). She was second on the team in rebounding, averaging 5 per game. Stelloh posted her career high during the 2008-09 season, netting 28 points on Nov. 21 against Lindenwood University.
The 5-11 forward was the second top scorer in the conference, averaging 15.2 points per game. She was also second in three-pointers made, sinking 65 throughout the season. The junior was third in steals per game, averaging 2.11, and also was in the top ten in the conference in rebounding, averaging 4.9 boards a game, and blocked shots, with 16 blocks on the season.
Brittany Daum received first team All-Conference honors for her efforts in the 2008-09 season. The guard was second on the team in scoring, averaging 9.6 points per game, and three-pointers made, contributing 37 on the season. The 5-5 junior was third for the Wolves in assists, dishing out 64, with an average of 2.1 per game. Daum scored 20-plus points in three games this season, registering her career best, 26 points, on Jan. 14 against Trinity International.
Receiving honorable mention All-Conference status for the second time in her career is junior, Marianna Herrera. The 5-6 guard lost the second half of her sophomore season to an ACL tear, but came back strong for 2008-09. Herrara led the Wolves in assists, contributing 85 on the year and averaging 3.1 per game. She was also third best on the team for three-point percentage, shooting just over 44 percent from beyond the arc.
The junior netted five treys on Feb. 4 against Trinity Christian College, scoring a season high 17 points. She also clinched the Tournament Championship game for the Wolves, making six straight free throws in the final seconds of the game.
Renet Skorusa was awarded honorable mention All-Conference status for the first time in her career this season. The 5-10 forward dominated under the boards for Stritch, averaging 5.8 rebounds a game, which was eighth best in the CCAC. The junior also led the team in blocked shots, with a total of 51 on the season, almost doubling any other player in the conference. She registered a career-high five blocks on Nov. 21 against Lindenwood University.
Skorusa was third in steals for Stritch, contributing 48. Not only seen as a defensive threat, the forward also averaged 6.9 points a game for the Wolves. She scored a career-high 17 points against Trinity International University on Feb. 7.
The Wolves hope to take their individual success and convert it into even more team achievements with wins at NAIA National Tournament. Stritch will travel to Sioux City, Iowa this coming week for the tournament, which runs from March 11-17.
Wolves Repeat As Conference ChampionsDaum and Stelloh lead Stritch over Trojans Feb. 28, 2009
Milwaukee, Wis. – In a fast-paced and aggressive Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) championship game on Saturday, the Cardinal Stritch University women’s basketball team held on to win 80-71 against the Trinity International University Trojans. With the win Stritch gains their second consecutive Conference Tournament Championship in two years.
After the Trojans scored the first basket of the game on a Vivianne Kindt (Bollingbrook, Ill.) layup, Brittany Daum (Gilberts, Ill.) came out firing, hitting a layup on a fast break and then sinking a quick three-pointer to gain the lead for Stritch. Though Trinity International’s full court pressure seemed to cause some problems for the Wolves, Stritch was able to increase their lead to ten points halfway through the period.
The Trojans fought their way back to a small, three-point margin on a three-pointer by Melanie Duplessis (Lindenhurst, Ill.) before the Wolves went on a 12-2 run. During this time, Doriane Davis (Milwaukee, Wis.), Beth Gilgenbach (Fond du Lac, Wis.) and Daum each hit a trey, and Stritch, aided by TIU fouls, took advantage by adding four points from the foul line. A three-pointer from Trinity International’s Joneka Stewart-Butler (Evanston, Ill.) brought the half to a close at 50-34, in favor of Stritch.
The Wolves remained in control for the first 13 minutes of the second half, but a strong push by the Trojans, sparked by a Candace Goolsby jumper, brought the score to 73-69 with just under three minutes to play. Once again fouls played a key role as the Trojans sent Marianna Herrera (Pewaukee, Wis.) to the line three times. The junior guard would hit on all six foul shots, clinching the victory for the Wolves.
Daum led Stritch scorers with 17 points, while Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.) added 16 and Davis 13. Renet Skorusa pulled down a team-high eight rebounds.
Reanna Perera (Milwaukee, Wis.) contributed 20 points and nine rebounds in the losing effort. Stewart-Butler and Kindt added 15 and 14 points, respectively. Duplessis registered a double double, netting 12 points and a game-high ten rebounds for TIU.
The win improves the Wolves’ record to 20-10, while the Trojans end their season at 19-12.
The win not only clinches the CCAC Tournament Championship, but it also guarantees the Wolves a bid into the National Associate of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Tournament, which will take place March 11-17, at the Gateway Arena in Souix City, Iowa.
Wolves Knock Out Purdue Calumet Stritch advances to CCAC Championship game for tenth consecutive year
Feb. 26, 2009
Milwaukee, Wis. – After suffering their only conference loss last week to Purdue University Calumet, the Cardinal Stritch University women’s basketball team took the floor for their first postseason game of the year. The Wolves came out prepared to play after last week’s loss to the Peregrines. Refusing to go down twice in two weeks, Stritch knocked off Purdue Calumet in front of 150 fans in the Allen-Bradley Gymnasium, beating Calumet 64-52.
The two teams traded baskets for the first seven minutes of the game, but the Wolves received a spark from Kayla Chapman (East Troy, Wis.) as she hit a quick three-pointer, followed by a jumper to extend the Wolves’ lead to seven. The Peregrines continued to hold on, but Stritch managed to finish the half up by ten, at 32-22.
Purdue Calumet made a strong effort during the beginning of the second period, pulling to within six at the 15 minute mark. The Wolves remained in control, however, even as multiple players dealt with foul trouble. Among these were key players for the Wolves’ offense, Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.) and Renet Skorusa (Lemont, Ill.), who combined for a total of nine fouls on the night. Skorusa would foul out late in the game, but starred for the Wolves, registering eight points and six rebounds in the half. Stelloh, Brittany Daum (Gilberts, Ill.), and Jen Bares (Belgium, Wis.) each netted six points in the period.
Four Stritch players scored double digit points, as Bares led with 12 points, Stelloh with 11, and Daum and Skorusa each added 10. Skorusa and Stelloh also led the Wolves in rebounding, pulling down nine and eight, respectively. Every Stritch player that saw playing time in the matchup scored at least two points.
LaKeisha Hurst (Dover, Del.) led the Peregrines in the losing effort, contributing a game-high 14 points and nine rebounds. Jennifer Britton (Dyer, Ind.) added 10 points.
The win takes Stritch to 19-10 overall. The Wolves will now advance to the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship game, which will take place in the Allen-Bradley Gymnasium at Stritch on Saturday, Feb. 28, against Trinity International University. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m.
Gilgenbach to Participate in American Red Cross/NAIA Youth Leadership ProgramFeb. 26, 2009
Kansas City, Mo. – Cardinal Stritch University women’s basketball player Beth Gilgenbach (Fond Du Lac, Wis.) was named among thirteen student-athletes selected to represent the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in a partnership with the American Red Cross. The 2009-2010 Red Cross/NAIA Youth Leadership Program is now in its third year, and will inspire, motivate and create a new and diverse generation of Red Cross volunteers and leaders through exemplifying the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character program.
As part of its support of the Red Cross diversity initiatives, State Farm Insurance is sponsoring this partnership. The leadership program kicks off with two weeks of energetic training at Red Cross National Headquarters located in Washington, D.C. from June 8 to June 19. The 2009-10 class will participate in a rare and unique opportunity to acquire first-hand coaching, mentoring and professional leadership training presented by senior leadership at the Red Cross, one of the nation’s largest non-profit organizations. In addition, Jim Carr, NAIA President and CEO, and Rob Haworth, NAIA Vice President for Champions of Character, will meet with the students during the two week leadership academy.
"Athletics plays such an important role in creating a sense of community on college campuses. The partnership with the NAIA has created a rich opportunity to connect campus communities with the life saving mission of the American Red Cross through the energy of NAIA student-athletes,” said Brian Hamil, Red Cross National Chair Biomedical Services. “As we enter our third year of the program, we remain grateful for the continuing financial support of State Farm Insurance."
“I would like to thank the Red Cross and State Farm Insurance for providing a wonderful opportunity for NAIA student-athletes. This is the third year for the program and Brian Hamil and his team are not only great partners but tremendous advocates for character-driven intercollegiate athletics,” said Carr. “The work being done on campuses throughout the country as a result of this program not only saves lives but has a huge impact on these young men and women.”
This once-in-a-lifetime experience allows NAIA student-athletes to be a part of a team made up of young adults from NAIA campuses throughout the country. The program is part of a larger Red Cross diversity strategy for moving the American Red Cross from awareness to action, building Red Cross capacity to serve all Americans.
Student-athletes will learn from civic and business leaders in the field how to uncover their leadership potential off the field. The participants will learn about organizing successful campus blood drives, actively participate on a leadership board, and take part in diversity and cultural competency training. For their efforts, students will receive scholarship support provided by the American Red Cross and State Farm Insurance.
The 2009-2010 Red Cross/NAIA Youth Leadership Program participants are:
Elizabeth Gilgenbach (Cardinal Stritch University, Wis.); Michael Thompson (Trinity Christian College, Ill.); Angela Nelson (Point Park University, Pa.); Carlie Ainsworth (Auburn University Montgomery); Zachary Ripley (Cornerstone University, Mich.); Je’Von Hetland (Azusa Pacific University, Calif.); Danielle Boyle (Iowa Wesleyan College); Kenneth “Casey” Wieder (Ottawa University, Kan.); Melissa King (College of Saint Mary, Neb.); Victoria Anderson (Point Loma Nazarene University, Calif.); Tara Blair (Bethel College, Ind.); Kimberly Lindow (Concordia University, Ore.); Katie McLintock (Westminster College, Utah).
To learn more about the Red Cross/NAIA Youth Leadership Program, please contact Staci Schottman (NAIA) at sschottman@naia.org, Kathy Busch (NAIA) at kbusch@naia.org or Susan Nelson (Red Cross Biomedical Services) at nelsons@usa.redross.org.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work. To learn more visit www.redcross.org
Wolves Can’t Hold On Against Peregrines Stelloh Reaches 1,000 Career PointsFeb. 18, 2009
Hammond, Ind. – Though the Cardinal Stritch University women’s basketball team had a strong first half, poor shooting and rebounding gave Purdue University Calumet the opportunity needed to end the Wolves’ four-year conference unbeaten streak. In the 80-72 loss, Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.) netted her 1,000th career point, bringing the junior only 764 points away from the all-time scoring record.
The Wolves took a 41-35 lead into half time, as Marianna Herrera (Pewaukee, Wis.) netted 15 points. Brittany Daum (Gilberts, Ill.) and Stelloh each added eight. Stritch was lucky to have created the six-point margin, as the Peregrines out-rebounded the Wolves 23-15.
The Wolves were not able to hold onto their lead in the second half. Stephanie Beck (Mishawaka, Ind.) put up 15 points in the half for Purdue Calumet. Jennifer Britton added nine, and the Peregrines pulled down 11 more rebounds than Stritch in the period. The Wolves shot only 30 percent from the field during the half, scoring only 31 total points.
Daum led the Wolves in the losing effort, netting 17 points. Herrera and Stelloh contributed 15 and 14 points, respectively. Renet Skorusa (Lemont, Ill.) led Stritch under the boards, pulling down seven rebounds.
Beck led all scorers with 20 points. The freshman also earned seven rebounds. LaKeisha Hurst registered a double double during the matchup, contributing 19 points and 14 rebounds. Britton contributed 15 points for the Peregrines.
The loss drops Stritch to 18-10 overall, and 9-1 in conference play. Purdue Calumet hands the Wolves their first conference loss since the 2004-05 season, and improves to 11-17 overall and 5-5 in the CCAC.
This was the last regular season game for the Wolves. They will begin post season action as the top seed in the CCAC on Thursday, Feb. 26. Stritch will host the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between Purdue Calumet and Trinity Christian.
Wolves Soar Over EaglesBares excels on Senior DayFeb. 14, 2009
Milwaukee, Wis. – The Cardinal Stritch University women’s basketball team took on the extremely aggressive Robert Morris College team this Saturday, winning 76-66. The game was full of intensity, as the two teams combined for 44 fouls and 44 turnovers.
The game started out sloppy, as the two teams combined for ten turnovers in the first five minutes. It took this long for the Wolves to find their rhythm, and around the 14 minute mark they began to pull away. Senior, Jen Bares (Belgium, Wis.) played a vital part in the first half scoring, putting up nine in the period. Renet Skorusa (Lemont, Ill.) led the way, scoring 12 and pulling down five rebounds. Stritch closed the half with a 15 point lead after two free throws by Doriane Davis (Milwaukee, Wis.).
The Wolves continued to increase their lead, going up by 25 points on a three-pointer by Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.) half way through the second period. The Eagles found a spark with nine minutes left in the half on a three-pointer by Tonesha Members (Bellwood, Ill.). They pulled to within ten at the end of the game, but Stritch was able to hold on.
Stelloh led Stritch with 15 points. Skorusa finished with 14 points, four assists, and a game-high nine rebounds. Jen Bares, who was honored at the game for her four years on the team, contributed 13 points.
Members netted 21 points for the Eagles, leading all scorers. Jessica Harris (Chicago, Ill.) and Jerita Gordon (Chicago, Ill.) each added 14 points in the losing effort. Gordon also pulled down eight rebounds.
The win takes the Wolves to 17-9, while the Eagles fall to 9-15.
Saturday’s game completed the regular season home schedule. The team travels to Hammond, Ind. on Tuesday, Feb. 18 to face Purdue Calumet. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
Wolves Overpower Crimson WaveStelloh Leads Stritch to VictoryFeb. 11, 2009
Milwaukee, Wis. – The Cardinal Stritch University women’s basketball team recorded an easy win against Calumet College of St. Joseph’s on Wednesday, led by Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.) and Jen Bares (Belgium, Wis.). The Wolves were too much for the Crimson Wave to handle, shooting 62 percent from the field, and 46 percent from beyond the arc.
Stelloh started off the game with eight straight points, including two three-pointers. The Wolves were hot in the first ten minutes of play, missing only five shots as a team. Stritch received big contributions in the first half from Stelloh, who netted 19 points, Bares, who had 11 points, and Skorusa, who added seven points and four rebounds. The Wolves took a 55-27 lead into the locker room at half time.
The second half was much of the same, and the large point margin gave Stritch reserve players a chance to see some meaningful minutes. Stelloh added ten points in the first six minutes of the period, while Bares added five points in five minutes of play. After establishing a 48 point lead Head Coach Rich Panella cleared the bench, giving every player that was suited up a chance to play. Doraine Davis (Milwaukee, Wis.) scored 11 points in nine minutes, while Angela Grey (Milwaukee, Wis.) posted seven points and four rebounds in 11 minutes.
Stelloh led the Wolves with 26 points, including six three-pointers. Bares finished with 16 points, while Skorusa slotted a game-high five rebounds. Non-starters for Stritch accounted for 36 of the Wolves’ 101 points.
Moneva Fields (Harvey, Ill.) led the Crimson Wave with 18 points in the losing effort. Lisa Upshaw (East Chicago, Ind.) added 15 points.
The win improves the Wolves’ record to 17-9 overall and 9-0 in the conference, which clinches the regular season conference championship for Stritch! Calumet College of St. Joseph falls to 4-23 overall and 0-7 in conference play.
Stritch returns home this Saturday, Feb. 14. They are set to face Robert Morris at 2:00 p.m. Saturday is also Senior Day, and will celebrate the contributions of lone senior, Jen Bares.
Wolves Take Two against TIUWomen and Men’s Basketball Defeat Trojans Feb. 7, 2009
Deerfield, Ill. – The Cardinal Stritch University Wolves women and men’s basketball programs swept the Trinity International University Trojans in a Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) basketball double-header on Saturday evening. The women kicked off the evening with a 77-48 win while the men followed it up with a 91-75 victory.
In the women’s game, the Wolves went down 3-0 quickly in the opening minutes. The deficit didn’t last long as Stritch turned the tables on TIU going on a 23-7 scoring run courtesy of Renet Skorusa (Lemont, Ill.) and her four points and four rebounds.
Skorusa ended up having a big night for Stritch as she tallied a double double by scoring 17 points and hauling in 10 rebounds. With Skorusa leading the way, the Wolves improved to 16-9 overall and 8-0 in the CCAC. The loss drops the Trojans to 15-10 overall and 4-3 in the conference.
In the men’s game, the Wolves took control early on and never looked back. The Wolves jumped out to a big early lead against the Trojans with runs of 9-2 and 16-2 in the first 10 minutes of play. Stritch was hot from beyond the arc making nine of their first 14 three-point attempts.
19 points and seven rebounds by Kody Braddix (Glendale, Ariz.) along with another 19 points from Brandon D’Amico (Geneva, Ill.) and his five rebounds, the Wolves claimed the 91-75 victory. The win snaps a two-game conference losing streak, improving Stritch to 6-2 in the CCAC and 17-7 overall.
Both of the Wolves basketball teams will take to the hardwood again on Wednesday, Feb. 11 for a CCAC double-header against Calumet College of St. Joseph. The women’s game will start at 5:30 p.m., inside the Allen-Bradley Gymnasium, with the men’s game to follow.
Stritch Tramples TrollsStelloh and Herrara lead Wolves to winFeb. 4, 2009
Palos Heights, Ill. – The Cardinal Stritch University women’s basketball team jumped out to a quick lead and never looked back against Trinity Christian College on Wednesday night. Led by Michelle Stelloh’s (West Allis, Wis.) and Marianna Herrera’s (Pewaukee, Wis.) long range shooting, and a strong defense, the Wolves went on to win 77-52.
Herrera hit a three-pointer to put Stritch on the board first. This was one of 12 team three-pointers, and just one of five for the junior guard. The Wolves continued to increase their lead, stretching it to 24 points on a free throw by Stelloh just before the end of the first period. Stritch’s success came from their accurate three-point and free throw shooting, as the team scored all but eight of their 41 first half points from beyond the arc or on foul shots.
There was a small change in strategy in the second half, though Stelloh and Herrera remained hot from a distance. The Wolves held their lead throughout the period, helped by 18 points scored under the basket. The change of pace and the lead from the first half enabled many Stritch players to make contributions.
Stelloh had a standout night on both sides of the court, totaling 19 points, six rebounds, six steals, and three blocked shots. The 5-11 junior also netted four three-pointers. Herrera contributed 17 points on only seven field goal attempts, going five for six from beyond the arc. Renet Skorusa (Lemont, Ill.) added eight points and a game-high seven rebounds.
Amanda Learned (Geneva, Ill.) led the Trolls in the losing effort, contributing 14 points and six rebounds. Tiffany Deckinga (Frankfort, Ill.) also added nine points.
The win brings the Wolves to 15-9 overall, and 7-0 in conference play. Trinity Christian falls to 4-21 overall, and 1-6 in the conference.
The Wolves remain on the road this weekend, as they travel to Deerfield, Ill. to face Trinity International University on Saturday, Feb. 7. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
Wolves Tally another WinStritch Continues to Dominate in ConferenceJan. 31, 2009
Milwaukee, Wis. – The Cardinal Stritch University women’s basketball team remain undefeated in conference after beating Judson University, 61-53, on Parent’s Day.
The Wolves had a strong first half, leading by 19 points with just under seven minutes to play in the period. However, the Eagles had a late surge, led by Aubrey Parsons (Sterling, Ill.), who added six points in the last six minutes of the period, decreasing the margin to nine at the end of the half.
Stritch remained in control during the second period of play, leading by at least seven throughout the half. Once again, Judson found a spark late in the half, but the Wolves were able to hold them off.
Stritch was led by Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.) and Brittany Daum. Stelloh earned a double double, netting 10 points and 12 rebounds. Daum had a game-high 14 points. Jennifer Bares (Belgium, Wis.) also contributed 13 points for Stritch.
Alicia Rovertoni (Columbia, Ill.) led the Eagles with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Parsons added 10 points to the losing effort, while Crystal Goodall (Atlanta, Ga.) pulled down nine rebounds and dished out seven assists.
The win takes the Wolves to 14-9 overall, and 6-0 in conference play. Judson falls to 12-9 overall, and 4-2 in the conference.
Stritch will travel to Palos Heights, Ill. this week, to face conference foe Trinity Christian College on Feb. 4. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.
ONU Too Much for Stritch
Wolves can't answer Tigers three-point shooters
Jan. 27, 2009
Milwaukee, Wis. – In a run and gun, incredibly intense game, the Olivet Nazarene University Tigers proved to be too much for the Cardinal Stritch University women’s basketball team to handle, as the Wolves fell to the Tigers 95-79. The non-stop offense and trap defense that was used by the Tigers became too much for the Wolves to handle.
The Wolves kept it close through much of the first half, aided by a 12-point contribution from Brittany Daum (Gilberts, Ill.) and six rebounds by Jennifer Bares (Belgium, Wis.). The Tigers began to pull away with about nine minutes left in the first half, increasing their lead to 12 points with two three-point shots by Jade Stanlick (Edwardsville, Ill.). Efforts by Kayla Chapman (East Troy, Wis.), Doraine Davis (Milwaukee, Wis.), Renet Skorusa (Lemont, Ill.), and Bares helped Stritch to stay afloat, going into half time with a 10-point deficit.
Stritch began the half with a push, going on a 10-2 run and pulling to within four on a jumper by Skorusa at the 15 minute mark. However, the Tigers quickly quieted the Wolves and once again ran away with the score.
Olivet Nazarene depended on their quickness and three-point shooting, forcing Stritch quickly up and down the court and shooting 39 percent from beyond the arc. They were led by Poppy Miller (New Haven, Ind.) who posted a game-high 22 points. Courtney Hehn (Monticello, Ill.) and Stanlick each added 13 points, while Jaimie Buckman (Morton, Ill.) pulled down a game-high ten rebounds.
Daum netted a team-high 17 points in the losing effort for Stritch. Bares also had a standout night, contributing a season-high 15 points and adding eight rebounds for the Wolves.
The loss drops Cardinal Stritch University’s record to 13-9, while Olivet Nazarene improves to 13-7.
Stritch continues the season at home this weekend as they are slated to face Judson University on Jan. 31 at 2:00 p.m. This Saturday is Parents' Day and will also feature the Cardinal Stritch Alumni Association's “Jam the Gym” promotion.
Stritch Gets Back on Track against PerengrinesStelloh and Daum Continue to ShineJan. 24, 2009
Milwaukee, Wis. – The Cardinal Stritch University women’s basketball team took an early lead against Purdue Calumet University in the first game of a double header on Saturday. They played strong the entire game, building their lead to finish the game 95-57.
Though the game was never close the intensity did not diminish as the Wolves lead increased. The Perengrines took out their frustrations on Stritch players, totaling 23 fouls, including a technical, and losing Chrissy Lobodinski (Merrillville, Ind.) and Sara Keilman (Hammond, Ind.) to fouls. The reckless aggressiveness of Purdue Calumet was handled very well by the Stritch team, who refused to lose their cool.
The Wolves were led by Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.), who posted a team-high 22 points and seven rebounds. Brittany Daum (Gilberts, Ill.) added 14 points. Renet Skorusa (Lemont, Ill.), who has been struggling offensively as of late, found her grove during the game, and contributed ten.
LaKeisha Hurst (Dover, Del.) netted a game-high 24 points and 13 rebounds in the losing effort. Jennifer Britton (Dyer, Ind.) added 11 points for Purdue Calumet.
Stritch improves to 13-8 overall and 5-0 in the conference after today’s win. Purdue Calumet drops to 8-13 overall and 2-3 in conference play.
The Wolves spend some time at home in the coming week. They are slotted to take on Olivet Nazarene at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27. On Saturday Jan. 31, Stritch faces Judson University at 2:00 p.m. for Parents’ Night.
Stritch Struggles Against CougarsStrong effort by Stritch guards fall short
Jan. 21, 2009
Milwaukee, Wis. – The Cardinal Stritch University women’s basketball team got off to a slow start on Wednesday night and were never able to come back against a quick and aggressive St. Xavier University team. The Wolves were able to keep the score close for the first few minutes of the game, but five and a half minutes into the first period, the Cougars took a lead that they would not give up. Though Stritch fought back in the second half, St. Xavier kept control to win 75-68.
The Wolves saw a team that plays defense the same way they do, as the Cougars came out intense, forcing 14 turnovers in the first half. Brittany Daum (Gilberts, Ill.) accounted for 15 of the Wolves’ 28 first half points, however she received very little help from her teammates, who scored a combined 13 points.
Stritch’s offensive efforts improved in the second half. Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.) posted 16 of her total 18 points in the half, while Marianna Herrera (Pewaukee, Wis.) got hot from beyond the arc, and added ten of her 16 points in the period. Freshman Liz Neitzel (Lomira, Wis.) also contributed nine points overall, seven of which came in the second half.
Defensive efforts by the Cougars, especially Kathlyn McClain (Oak Forest, Ill.) and Alex Barone (Joliet, Ill.) caused Stritch major problems. The pair accounted for nine of the team’s 16 steals. Both McClain and Barone also hurt the Wolves offensively, scoring 18 and 17 points, respectively. Erin Hannemann (Homer Glen, Ill.) earned a double double, netting 23 points and 14 rebounds, leading both teams in each category. Hannemann also recorded the 1,000th point of her career during the game.
Daum led Stritch in the losing effort, scoring 20 points. Renet Skorusa, had a team-high six rebounds for the Wolves, despite being in foul trouble for most of the evening. Wednesday evening's loss drops Stritch to 13-7 overall and improves Saint Xavier to 15-3 overall.
After a few days off, the Wolves return to action on Saturday, Jan. 24 for a conference doubleheader against Purdue Calumet. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m. in the Allen-Bradley Gymnasium.
Wolves Blow by Crimson WaveBench scores 40 points in victoryJan. 17, 2008
Hammond, Ind. – The Cardinal Stritch University Wolves women’s basketball team rolled to a Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) victory on the road against the Calumet College of St. Joseph Crimson Wave by a score of 84-39 Saturday afternoon.
From the start, the Wolves were relentless with their offensive pressure by opening the game on a 15-2 run over the Crimson Wave. Stritch’s Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.) sparked the run by draining two three-pointers to open up the scoring.
Stelloh, who scored eight points during the early run, was strong the entire period by netting 15 of her game-high 19 points in the first period of play. CCSJ had no answer for Stritch as the Wolves entered the break with a 35-10 lead.
The second half was all about the reserves for the Wolves. With an opportunity to gain valuable experience, the Stritch bench didn’t disappoint.
Brittany Smith-Hirsch (Towanda, Ill.), Angela Gray (Milwaukee, Wis.), Liz Neitzel (Lomira, Wis.), and Kayla Chapman (East Troy, Wis.) all played key rolls in the second half. Smith-Hirsch netted six points while Gray and Neitzel each added five. Chapman, a guard, played strong by contributing with 4 rebounds in the half.
All totaled, the Wolves bench tallied 40 of the 84 points scored in the game. Stritch, who shot 34 percent from the field in the first half, hit on nearly 67 percent of their shots in the second half.
The Crimson Wave had no answer for the Wolves as they shot just 16 percent from the field in the first half and only 25 percent the entire game. CCSJ’s major contributions came from Candace Bishop (East Chicago, Ind.) and Moneva Fields (Harvey, Ill.). Bishop paced the way in the loss with 14 points while Fields pulled down 12 rebounds.
Saturday afternoon’s win preserves the CCAC unbeaten streak for the Wolves as they improve to 4-0 in conference and 12-7 overall. With the loss, the Crimson Wave falls to 0-2 in the CCAC and 3-18 overall.
Next up, the Wolves will take on St. Xavier University at the Allen-Bradley Gymnasium on Wed., Jan. 21. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Daum Has Career Night in Win Over TrojansStritch Stays Undefeated in ConferenceJan. 14, 2009
Milwaukee, Wis. – There was a sloppy start on Wednesday night as the Cardinal Stritch University women’s basketball team took on Trinity International. In the first 10 minutes there were a combined total of 13 turnovers, as both teams played hard on the defensive end. The Trojans couldn’t keep up with Stritch, however, and the Wolves went on to win 82-61.
Brittney Daum (Gilberts, Ill.) came out on fire, as it seemed she couldn’t miss during the first half. The 5-5 junior tied her career high 18 points with the help of four three-pointers in the first period, carrying the Wolves to a 41-33 lead. Jonkea Stewart-Butler caused some trouble for Stritch defensively, as she used her quickness to score 10 points in the half. However, Daum’s accurate shooting and strong rebounding by Doraine Davis (Milwaukee, Wis.) helped the Wolves to build up their lead.
During the second half, the spotlight turned to Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.), who took advantage of her own offensive rebounds and Trojan fouls to score 15 points in the period. Renet Skorusa (Lemont, Ill.) pulled down five of her eight rebounds in the second half.
Daum led the Wolves to the win, netting a career-high 26 points. Stelloh added 22 points, thanks to her second half surge. Skorusa and Davis led Stritch in rebounds, each pulling down eight.
Melanie Duplessi (Lindenhurst, Ill.) led Trinity International with 23 points and seven rebounds. Stewart-Butler added 13 points to the losing effort, while Vivianne Kindt (Bollingbrook, Ill.) earned a game-high nine rebounds.
The win takes the Wolves to 11-7 overall and 3-0 in the conference, while the Trojans drop to 12-8 overall and 1-1 in conference play.
Stritch heads out this weekend to take on Calumet St. Joseph’s in Hammond, Ind. on Jan. 17 at 1:00 p.m. The Wolves will then return home to face St. Xavier on Jan. 21 at 7:00 p.m. at the Allen-Bradley Gymnasium.
Wolves Dominate versus Trinity ChristianStritch Defense Too Much to Handle
Jan. 10, 2009
Milwaukee, Wis. – The Wolves passionate defense and accurate shooting from the field (40%) proved to be too much for Trinity Christian, who fell to Stritch 69-32. Stritch capitalized on turnovers created by an aggressive full court press throughout the game to come out on top.
Beth Gilgenbach (Fond du Lac, Wis) started the game off with a steal, which was telling of how the rest of the game would proceed. She went on to earn five takeaways during the first half as the Wolves jumped off to an early lead. Four minutes into the game Stritch really started to pull away, sparked by a Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.) three-pointer. Brittney Daum (Gilberts, Ill.) made her presence known the next time down the floor, as she came out of nowhere to receive a bounce pass from Doraine Davis (Milwaukee, Wis.) and went up untouched for a quick layup under the basket. The Wolves continued to dominate, getting contributions from each of the players that entered the game, and taking a 20-point lead into halftime.
The second half was much of the same, with many reserve players getting valuable playing time. The Wolves continued to pressure the Trolls, holding them to only 11 points the entire half. The team also cleaned up their game in the second period, avoiding the hard fouls that were prevalent during the first half, and sending Trinity Christian players to the line for only six foul shots.
The Wolves were led by Stelloh, who had a game-high 15 points. Freshman Liz Neitzel (Lomira, Wis.) also added eight points to the effort. Gilgenbach totaled an impressive five steals for the fourth time this season.
In the losing effort for the Trolls, Emily Thomassen (Holland, Mich.) netted a team-high eight points, while Amanda Learned (Geneva, Ill.) pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds.
The win today improves Stritch’s overall record to 10-7, and conference record to 2-0. The Trolls fall to 3-15 overall and 0-2 in the conference.
Stritch plays at home again this Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 5:30 p.m. They face last year’s second place team, Trinity International at the Allen-Bradley Stadium.
Wolves Take Close GameFreshman leads Stritch to victory
Jan. 7, 2009
Elgin, Ill. - In a tight match-up against Judson University, it was a freshman off the bench that was the difference for the Cardinal Stritch University women's basketball team. Led by Kayla Chapman (East Troy, Wis.), the Wolves won 52-49 in a game that came down to the buzzer at Judson's Lindner Fitness Center.
Stritch started off strong, promptly taking the lead with two quick lay-ups by Brittney Daum (Gilberts, Ill.) and a jumper by Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.). After six minutes of play, the Eagles found their wings, taking up to a seven point lead before the Wolves could come back to tie the game with a strong effort from Chapman, a freshman reserve, who scored 10 points in the final nine minutes of the half.
Starting the second half with a four point deficit, the Eagles came out strong and were able to tie the score at 33-33 five minutes into the half. Stritch came back though, going on an 8-2 run, highlighted by five points by Stelloh, who hit a three-pointer and tacked on a lay-up, scoring five of her 13 total points during that span.
The Eagles refused to back down, however, taking the game to the very last second. Judson tied the game at 47 with just under two minutes left in the game on a Crystal Goodall (Atlanta, GA) three-pointer. Stritch regained the lead with a lay-up by Stelloh and free throw by Renet Skorusa (Lemont, Ill.). It became a one point game after a Doraine Davis (Milwaukee, Wis.) sent Aubrey Parsons (Sterling, Ill.) the line for two free points. However, free throws Marianna Herrara (Pewaukee, Wis.) gave Stritch a three point lead, with 13 seconds left to play. A last minute three-pointer by Parsons, who had a game-high 17 points, was off, giving the Wolves the win.
It was turnovers and bench points that slanted the odds in the Wolves' favor. Stritch scored 18 points off of 20 turnovers by Judson, but were able to hold the Eagles to just four points off of their own ball handling errors. Stritch's bench outscored Judson's 26 to seven, with big contributions from both Chapman and Liz Neitzel (Lomira, Wis.), who netted six points.
Besides Parsons, Kirsten Johns (Belvidere, Ill.) put up 13 points for the Eagles. Alicia Rovertoni (Columbia, Ill.) dominated under the boards, leading all players with 12 rebounds in the losing effort.
The win over Judson was the Wolves first conference victory of the 2008-09 season improving their record to 9-7. Meanwhile Judson drops to 8-8 and 0-1 in the conference. Stritch comes home this Saturday, Jan. 10, to face Trinity Christian College at 1 p.m.
Wolves Cage LionsBench has big day for Stritch
Jan. 3, 2008
Milwaukee, Wis. - After a slow start during the first few minutes against the Finlandia University Lions, the Cardinal Stritch University Women’s basketball team found their rhythm, beating the Lions 88-45. Three minutes into play, the Wolves took a lead that they refused to relinquish for the remainder of the game sparked by a 19-2 run. The scoring run started with a series of jumpers by Doriane Davis (Milwaukee, Wis.) and also included two blocks by Renet Skorusa (Lemont, Ill.) who tied a team record for 3 blocks in a single game.
Throughout the game, the Wolves continued to outscore Finlandia, ending the game with a 43 point advantage. Stritch had three players scoring in double digits, including Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.) who had 12 points, Skorusa with 10 points, and Davis, who led all Stritch scorers, with 14 points. They also received significant contributions from players coming off the bench. Jennifer Bares (Belgium, Wis.) and freshman Liz Neitzel (Lomira, Wis.) added seven points apiece, while Kayla Chapman (East Troy, Wis.) and Angela Gray (Milwaukee, Wis.) each scored six.
The Wolves took advantage of having a quicker team and a deeper bench than the Lions by pushing fast breaks and pressing throughout the game. Stritch scored 33 points off of 33 Finlandia turnovers. The defense was led by Beth Gilgenbach (Fond du Lac, Wis.) who had 5 of the team’s 16 steals.
Ally Tincknell (Neguanee, Mich.) scored a game-high 16 points and pulled down nine rebounds for the Lions. Jodi Riutta (Houghton, Mich.) contributed 13 points and 5 rebounds to the losing effort.
The Stritch Wolves head to Elgin, Ill. this Wednesday, Jan. 7, to take on Judson University at 5:30 p.m. This is the first conference game of the season for the team, who improved their overall record to 8-7 with Saturday’s win.
Wolves Fall To MustangsStritch struggles in 27 point loss
Dec. 29, 2008
Marshall, Minn. – Playing for the first time in 10 days, the Cardinal Stritch University Wolves women’s basketball team fell to the Southwest Minnesota State University Mustangs, 79-52, on Monday evening.
The first half got off to a rocky start as the Wolves found themselves down quickly 20-8 to the Mustangs. The SMSU lead was extended to 26-10 before Stritch started to claw its way back into the game.
Free throws by Lisa Lawrence (Naperville, Ill.) and Liz Neitzel (Lomira, Wis.), along with a three-pointer by Beth Gilgenbach (Fond Du Lac, Wis.), brought the gap to 26-17. Stritch would eventually close the half down by 10 at 35-25.
The Wolves struggled in their shooting as they shot 30 percent from the floor during the first half of play.
The second half seemed to awaken the Wolves as Doriane Davis (Milwaukee, Wis.) and Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.) both hit key shots to cut the deficit to seven points. However, the effort wouldn’t be enough as Tori Fink (North Fond du Lac, Wis.) hit a layup and then followed it up with a three-pointer to push the lead back 14 points and move the score to 44-30.
The Stritch offensive woes would continue throughout the game, as the Wolves finished by shooting 30 percent from the floor for the game. Renet Skorusa (Lemont, Ill.) led Stritch with 13 points. Fink would end up leading all scorers with 15 on the day.
With the loss the Wolves fall back to 7-7 on the season while the Mustangs improve to 8-5. Stritch will come back to Milwaukee and play host to Finlandia University on Saturday, Jan. 3. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m. at the Allen-Bradley Gymnasium.
No. 19 Wolves Defeated by No. 2 BearsShawnee State up-ends Stritch in final minutes
Dec. 19, 2008
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – The Cardinal Stritch University women’s basketball team suffered a tough loss to Shawnee State University, 69-65 in the Cruzin Classic Friday afternoon.
The No. 19-ranked Wolves got hit with a flurry of shots in the first minute of play by the No. 2-ranked Bears, finding themselves in a quick 6-0 hole. Stritch got back in the game off jumpers by Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.) and Renet Skorusa (Lemont, Ill.). The Bears stretched their 6-4 lead to 9-4 off of a three-pointer by Mallory Albers (Fort Loramie, Ohio), but the Wolves responded quickly when Stelloh hit a three-pointer of her own.
The half would continue on with the teams trading baskets up until the final minutes of the period. Tied at 34-34, Stritch went on a 7-0 run to close out the half leading 41-34 over the Bears. The Wolves’ defense was strong, holding the second-ranked team in the country to just 37.8 percent shooting from the field while the Stritch offense made 45.7 percent of their shots.
Doriane Davis (Milwaukee, Wis.) opened up the second half scoring with Stritch’s first points to help pace the offense to a quick 10-point lead that was also contributed to by Brittney Daum (Gilberts, Ill.) and Stelloh, putting the Wolves up 48-38. The Bears would start to chip away at the lead when Stritch’s Jenn Bares (Belgium, Wis.) fouled Becky Babione (Freemont, Ohio) on a made layup. Babione would make the ensuing free throw to cut the lead to 48-41.
Entering the final 4:30 of play, the Wolves clung to a 61-59 lead. Davis would end up fouling Babione to put her at the line for the bonus and the Bears’ 6-0 forward would make both free throw attempts to take over the lead at 62-61. Babione would hit another jumper over a minute later to put Shawnee State up 64-61, but the Wolves would answer with layups by Skorusa and Stelloh to regain the lead at 65-64.
Fouls would end up hurting the Wolves as Marianna Herrera (Pewaukee, Wis.) fouled the Bears’ Alison Meyer (Hamler, Ohio), who would tie the game at 65-65. Fouls by Stelloh and Beth Gilgenbach (Fond Du Lac, Wis.) would eventually seal the loss as the Bears made all four of their final free throw attempts to close out the game.
“Fouls really hurt us today,” Stritch head coach Rich Panella said. “We put Shawnee State to the free throw line 18 times in the second half today and they made the most of their shots.”
Shawnee State’s Babione would lead the way for all scorers as the senior forward tallied a double-double (21 pts., 15 reb.) in the contest. Stelloh (19 pts.) and Davis (12 pts.) would lead the way for Stritch in the loss.
With the loss, the Wolves will fall to 7-6 overall and the Bears will improve to 11-0. Stritch, who knocked off Malone University on Thursday, 64-35, won’t play again until after Christmas when they’ll head to Marshall, Minn. to face SouthWestern Minnesota State on Dec. 29.
Strong Second Half Paces Way for Wolves VictoryStritch outscores Viterbo 35-23 in second half for winDec. 13, 2008
Milwaukee, Wis. – On an afternoon in which Stritch honored head coach Rich Panella on his 500th career win and played just their second home contest in nearly a month, the Wolves didn’t disappoint the home crowd as they knocked off in-state Viterbo University 75-61.
In the first half of play, the Wolves came out firing right out of the gates. Renet Skorusa (Lemont, Ill.) sparked the offense early on by hitting on two jumpers to put the visiting V-Hawks in an 8-2 hole. Viterbo’s Sally Colby (Hartland, Wis.) brought the visitors back to within two before Stritch went on another key run to eventually build a 12-point lead at 33-21.
The V-Hawks responded in the final minute of first half with a 9-2 run, closing the Wolves’ lead to two points and ending the half down 40-38. For Stritch, Skorusa had a strong first half by tallying 10 points and five rebounds while Viterbo’s leading scoring Jodi Stanek (Kendall, Wis.) led all scorers with 14 points.
The two-point deficit would be the closest Viterbo would get the rest of the way. The Wolves’ offense came out hot and poured it on in the second half by going on a 29-7 scoring run. At one point, Stritch had a 24-point lead in the second half lead that would prove to be the back breaker for the V-Hawks.
Stritch was led in scoring in the game by Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.) who netted 18 points on the day. Skorusa, who ended the first half with 10 points, finished the game with 14. Viterbo was led in scoring by Stanek as she scored a game high 20 points.
With the win, Stritch improves to 6-5 while Viterbo falls to 6-5 with the loss. The Wolves will now head for fun in the sun as they’ll be playing their next two contests in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. to take on Shawnee State University on Dec. 18 and Malone University on Dec. 19.
Cornerstone Knocks Off Stritch
Rebounds and free throws key to lossDec. 6, 2008
Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Cardinal Stritch University women’s basketball program fell to Cornerstone University by a score of 78-57 on Saturday afternoon of the Cornerstone Classic.
Neither team shot well from the floor, as Stritch shot 37 percent while Cornerstone shot 39 percent. The story of the game, however, came in the form of free throws and rebounds.
The Golden Eagles took advantage of rough defense by the Wolves by going to the foul line 27 times and making 21 of those attempts. The game’s high scorer, Jenna Plewes (Zeeland, Mich.) who had 24 points, tallied 15 of the 21 attempts while making 13 of them.
The Wolves struggled on the boards as well, being out-rebounded 50-35 and only making it to the free throw line four times during the contest. Stritch was led in scoring by Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.) who had 18 points.
Stritch falls to 5-5 on the season with the loss while Cornerstone improves to 8-3. The Wolves will return home to host Viterbo University on Saturday, Dec. 13. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. at the Allen-Bradley Gymnasium.
Wolves Slump Offensively Against WildcatsRough first half dooms StritchDec. 5, 2008
Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Cardinal Stritch University women’s basketball team suffered a 55-46 loss on Friday night to the No. 8-ranked Indiana-Wesleyan University Wildcats in the opening contest of the Cornerstone Classic.
The Wolves struggled all evening on the offensive end and were never able to get on track after a rough opening half that saw them 6-30 in shot attempts, good for just 20 percent shooting from the field. The poor shooting saw Stritch end the first half down 28-16.
The second half faired a little better for Stritch as they were able to outscore IWU 30-27 and up their shooting percentage to 36 percent. However, the second half improvement wasn’t enough to overcome the Wildcats’ Elaine Hessel (Plymouth, Ind.) and her double-double. Hessel led all scorers with 25 points in helping IWU shoot 47 percent on the game. She also pulled down 10 rebounds.
The Wolves, despite the rough first half, got double-digit point production out of Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.) and Doriane Davis (Milwaukee, Wis.). Stelloh led all Stritch scorers with 15 points while Davis netted 10.
With the loss, Stritch falls to 5-4 on the season while IWU improves to 7-4. The Wolves will now play on Saturday against host Cornerstone University at 3 p.m.
Stritch Blows Out St. ScholasticaWolves roll on offense
Nov. 30, 2008
Menomonie, Wis. – In the consolation game of the UW-Stout 2008 Super 8 Turkey Shootout, Cardinal Stritch University blew out the College of St. Scholastica with an 84-46 win in Sunday’s mid-morning contest.
The Wolves dominated early on, leading by as much as 18 points. The Saints managed to bring the gap back down to six points at 36-30 a few minutes before the half, but Stritch eventually turned the heat back on to go into the half with a 48-33 lead.
Stritch came out firing in the second half and never looked back, eventually going on a 16-7 run to end the game and seal their fifth victory of the season. The Wolves were solid all day long from the field, hitting on 43 percent of their shots. Adding to that, Stritch shot 38 percent from the three-point arc and 83 percent from the foul line. The defense was equally impressive by generating 31 turnovers by the Saints.
Stritch was led in scoring by Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.) who had a game-high 14 points. Liz Neitzel (Lomira, Wis.) and Doriane Davis (Milwaukee, Wis.) both added to the attack with 12 points on the day. Stelloh and Davis both chipped in for seven rebounds each.
With the win, Stritch improves to 5-3 and drops St. Scholastica to 0-5. Next up, the Wolves will play again on Dec. 5 when they head to Grand Rapids, Mich. to play in the Cornerstone Invitational. Their first round game will take place at 4:30 p.m. against Indiana Wesleyan.
Wolves Struggle in Loss to Blue DevilsStout offense too much to handle
Nov. 29, 2008
Menomonie, Wis. – The Cardinal Stritch University Wolves women’s basketball team fell to the University of Wisconsin – Stout Blue Devils on Saturday evening by a score of 79-65. The loss took place in the first round of the UW-Stout Classic Eight Thanksgiving Tournament.
Saturday evening’s game started off to be close as the Wolves and Blue Devils exchanged baskets the first 12 minutes of the game. Entering the 13th minute of the game, the score was tied at 18-18 when Stritch guard Liz Neitzel (Lomira, Wis.) fouled Stout’s Danielle DeWitt (Green Bay, Wis.) during a shot attempt. DeWitt would go on to make both free throw attempts, giving Stout a lead the Wolves wouldn’t take back until the second half.
With the Blue Devils up 22-18, Stritch guard Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.) hit a jump shot to pull the Wolves back to within two. However, Stout responded with a strong offense that was led by DeWitt and Trisha VanVreede (Little Chute, Wis.) that would eventually end the half with Stritch down 37-34.
Stritch fell into an early five-point hole opening the second half, but the offense came firing back as Stelloh nailed a three-pointer and followed that up with a lay up off the feed from Brittany Daum (Gilberts, Ill.). Riding a change in momentum, Daum was fouled by Stout’s Tanya Dickey (White Bear Lake, Minn.), making one of two free throw attempts to give the Wolves a 40-39 lead.
Things, however, took a major turn as Stout responded by going on an 11-0 scoring run. The Wolves looked to be responding as Kayla Chapman (East Troy, Wis.) hit back-to-back three pointers to close the gap to five points. That would be the closest that Stritch would get as Stout pulled ahead for good, eventually having a lead as high as 17 points.
“Stout’s a very good team that plays with a very fast pace on the floor,” Stritch head coach Rich Panella said. “We struggled in shooting from the floor and had some different line ups out there, but we just couldn’t over come them in the second half.”
The Wolves were led in scoring by Stelloh and her 18 points, while Stout was lead in scoring by Charlee Edwards (Danbury, Wis.) who had 21 points. With the loss, Stritch falls to 4-3 overall and Stout improves to 2-1 on the season. The Wolves will now face St. Scholastica on Sunday at 10 a.m. who lost in their first round game to Dubuque 77-51 early on in the day.
Stelloh Wins CCAC Player of the WeekWolves' sharp shooter earns weekly award
Nov. 26, 2008
Milwaukee, Wis. - Highlighted by a career-high 28-point outing, Cardinal Stritch University's Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.) averaged 20.0 points and 7.5 rebounds per game over a two-game stretch to earn Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Women's Basketball Division II Player of the Week honors for the seven-day period ending Nov. 22.
Stelloh earned the award by tallying her career-high for points in an 89-80 victory over Lindenwood University (Mo.) on Nov. 21 in the Maryville University (Mo.) Tournament, where she sank six three-pointers in eight attempts and 10-of-15 shots overall from the field. She also registered eight rebounds and four steals.
One night later, in a 64-54 victory over host Maryville, the 5-10 junior forward recorded 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
After starting out the season 0-2, Stelloh has helped propel Stritch to run off four straight victories putting the Wolves at 4-2 on the season.
Women’s Basketball Defeats MaryvilleDefense leads Stritch to victory
Nov. 22, 2008
St. Louis, Mo. – Winning has been a theme for the Cardinal Stritch University Wolves women’s basketball program over the past four games and Saturday afternoon was no different. The Wolves knocked off the host Maryville University Saints 64-54 in the Maryville University Invitational.
While the Wolves have relied on a strong offense over the duration of their winning streak, it was the defense and strong rebounding that led the way to victory over the Saints. Stritch held Maryville 29 percent from the field while owning the rebounds with a 52-34 edge.
The dominance in the rebounding total led the Wolves to dominate points in the paint with 28 and 16 second chance points. Freshman Lisa Lawrence (Naperville, Ill.) was especially dominant inside for Stritch, registering 11 rebounds in the contest and nine points.
The high scorers for the Wolves came by way of Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.) and Doriane Davis (Milwaukee, Wis.) who led the way with 12 points each. Maryville was led in scoring by Sara Wemlinger (Bloomington, Ill.) who registered 12 points for the Saints.
Adding Saturday’s win to their total, the Wolves improve to 4-2 overall while the Saints fall to 1-1 on the season. Up next for Stritch, the team will head off to UW-Stout on Saturday, Nov. 29 to play in the UW-Stout Invite.
Stritch Knock Off LindenwoodStelloh and Daum have big nights in victory
Nov. 21, 2008
St. Louis, Mo. – The Cardinal Stritch University Wolves women’s basketball team continued their winning ways as the Wolves defeated the Lindenwood University Lions by a score of 89-80 at the Maryville University Invitational on Friday evening.
The Wolves defense did a great job on the evening holding the Lions to shooting 37 percent from the floor and generating 10 steals. Meanwhile, Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.) and Brittany Daum (Gilberts, Ill.) had big nights offensively for Stritch.
Stelloh, the sharp-shooting junior, entered Friday evening on the heels of a career night of 24 points against Mount Mercy last Saturday and was certainly looking for more. More is exactly what she got as the Wolves’ forward topped her previous career-high by netting 28 points, with 14 of them coming in the first half alone.
While Stelloh was continuing her scoring ways, Daum also had a big night for Stritch. The Wolves’ guard was the game’s second-highest scorer on the night, scoring 22 points on the evening. Daum was seven of 13 on the evening in shooting.
With the win, the Wolves improve to 3-2 overall and drop Lindenwood to 3-4. Stritch will not advance to take on host Maryville University on Saturday at 3 p.m.
Women’s Basketball Wins Home OpenerStelloh nets 24 as Panella gets 500th career win
Nov. 15, 2008
Milwaukee, Wis. – The Cardinal Stritch University Wolves women’s basketball team knocked off visiting Mount Mercy College Mustangs on Saturday afternoon by a score of 76-62 in the home opener.
Early on, the Mustangs looked strong as they ended up getting 19 points out of Shanda Novak (Oxford, Iowa) and 11 out of Jessie Dirks (Monticello, Iowa). However, a balanced offensive attack by the Mustangs could not deny the Wolves a home victory as Stritch found their offensive spark in the form of Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.)
Stelloh, a junior guard, tallied a game-high 24 points on the evening. 12 of her 24 points came by way of going beyond the three-point line. It wasn’t just her offense that helped, as she also added three steals and five rebounds on the evening.
For Stritch, senior guard Jennifer Bares (Belgium, Wis.) also chipped in the offensive effort with 10 points. Marriana Herrera (Pewaukee, Wis.) seemed to be everywhere lending a helping hand with nine assists while Renet Skorusa (Lemont, Ill.) crashed the boards for a game-high 12 rebounds. Eight of Skorusa’s rebounds came on the defensive end.
The biggest part of the evening came as the clock wound down to zero and Wolves’ head coach Rich Panella had seen his team seal up his 500th career victory. Panella currently ranks in the top 5 of all NAIA basketball coaches with his 500-127 record throughout his 22 years of coaching.
“Tonight was really about our team getting a second-straight win,” Panella said. “It’s really a nice achievement to reach 500 wins and it’s a testament to the players that we’ve had come through our program.”
With the win, the Wolves improve to 2-2 overall and drop the Mustangs back to even at 2-2. The Wolves will hit the road next as they’ll head to Maryville, Mo. for a tournament on November 21. Stritch will play their first game of the tournament against Lindenwood University at 4:00 p.m.