Western New England College
Women's Basketball

Saturday, Dec. 7, 2002
(Pioneer Valley Hoop Classic at Springfield College)
Amherst 61, Westfield State 56
Springfield 60, WNEC 46

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Freshman center Lisa Masella (Newtown, CT) scored 11 points and pulled down five rebounds as Western New England College suffered a 60-46 loss against host Springfield College in the inaugural Pioneer Valley Hoop Classic. Senior guard Lindsey Black (Bernardston, MA) chipped in with eight points. WNEC has a 4-3 record at the holiday break.

Friday, Dec. 6, 2002
(Pioneer Valley Hoop Classic at Springfield College)
Westfield State 56, Springfield 50
Amherst 64, WNEC 43

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College started strong by scoring the first five points of the game, but Amherst College came back to claim a 64-43 win in the inaugural Pioneer Valley Hoop Classic at Springfield College's Blake Arena. Freshman center Lisa Masella (Newtown, CT) led the Golden Bears with 10 points and nine rebounds while senior forward Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA) contributed a game-high 16 rebounds.

MARY ROMANO NAMED ASSISTANT WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACH

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Dec. 5, 2002) — Former Mount Holyoke College standout Mary Romano of Chicopee, Massachusetts has been named assistant women's basketball coach at Western New England College.

Romano earned a bachelor of arts degree in neuroscience and behavior at MHC in 2000. She was a two-time New England WomenÕs and MenÕs Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Academic honoree and a Seven Sister Scholar-Athlete. Romano received the school's Merrill Prize for Excellence in English.

At present, Romano is attending graduate school at the University of Massachusetts.

Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2002
WNEC 72, Fitchburg State 65

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Senior forward Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA) scored a career high 31 points and freshman guard Sarah Brixner (Hamden, CT) netted 20 of her career high 22 points in the second half as Western new England College rallied for a 72-65 victory over visiting Fitchburg State College.

Carney also added a game-high 14 rebounds as the Golden Bears improved their record to 4-1.

Fitchburg State led 39-28 at half-time, but WNEC outscored the visitors 44-26 after intermission with Brixner's six three-pointers the difference.

JUNIOR GUARD EMILY SWARD SELECTED AS THE WNEC FEMALE ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Dec. 3, 2002) — Basketball standout Emily Sward (Plainville, CT) was honored Tuesday as the Western New England College Female Athlete-of-the-Week.

Sward, a junior point guard, averaged 14.0 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.0 steals in a 2-1 week. She also was named to the All-Tournament Team at the Keene Holiday Invitational. Sward scored 18 points, including the last three of the game, in a 72-70 road win against WPI. She also added 16 points in a 63-54 victory over Worcester State College. Sward is an elementary education major.

Sunday, Dec. 1, 2002
Keene Holiday Tournament
Keene State 79, WNEC 56
Worcester State 71, Maine Fort-Kent 46

KEENE, N.H. — Host Keene State College broke open a close game in the second half en route to a 79-56 win over Western New England College in the championship game of the seventh annual KSC Holiday Tournament. Top scorers for the Golden Bears were senior forward (Orleans, MA) and sophomore forward Shelley Everson (Plainville, CT) with 11 points apiece. Carney and freshman center Lisa Masella (Newtown, CT) were both selected to the All-Tournament Team. WNEC is now 3-1.

Saturday, Nov. 30, 2002
Keene Holiday Tournament
WNEC 63, Worcester State 54
Keene State 99, Maine-Fort Kent 38

KEENE, N.H. — Junior guard Emily Sward (Plainville, CT) and freshman center Lisa Masella (Newtown, CT) each scored 16 points to lead Western New England College to a 63-54 victory over Worcester State College in an opening round game of the Keene State College Holiday Tournament. The Golden Bears improved their record to 3-0 after beating the Lancers for only the second time in six meetings.

Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2002
WNEC 72, WPI 70

WORCESTER, Mass. — Senior guard Lindsey Black (Bernardston, MA) led four players scoring in double figures with 22 points as Western New England College posted a 72-70 victory over host WPI in a game that featured 13 lead changes. Black made 9-of-14 shots from the field and 4-of-5 free throws as the Golden Bears improved their record to 2-0.

Junior guard Emily Sward (Plainville, CT) contributed 18 points (7-of-9 from the floor) and five assists. She scored the last three points of the game with a basket with 33 seconds remaining and a free throw with 4.5 seconds left.

Senior forward Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA) added 13 points while freshman center Lisa Masella (Newtown, CT) had 12 points and seven rebounds.

Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002
WNEC 67, Elms 38

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Junior guard Emily Sward (Plainville, CT) led a balanced scoring attack with 13 points to lead Western New England College to a 67-38 victory over visiting Elms College in the season opener for both teams. Sward made 6-of-9 shots from the field, and added seven rebounds with four assists and two steals.

Freshman center Lisa Masella (Newtown, CT) had 14 points and a game-high nine rebounds with two blocks and two steals in her collegiate debut. She also drew a pair of charging fouls.

Freshman guard Sarah Brixner (Hamden, CT) contributed 11 points and seven rebounds in her first college game. Senior guard Lindsey Black (Bernardston, MA) had 10 points, four steals, and three assists.

Leading 28-17 at half-time, WNEC opened the second half with a 12-2 run capped by a three-pointer by Brixner that put the Golden Bears ahead 40-19 with 16:08 left. Brixner then drilled back-to-back treys that gave WNEC a commanding 56-31 margin with 6:58 remaining.

WNEC held Elms to 35.4% shooting from the field, forced 30 turnovers, and held a 45-33 rebounding advantage.

WNEC WELCOMES NEW FACES TO 2002-03 LINEUP

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 8, 2002) — After losing three starters and eight players from last year's 20-8 team that tied the school record for wins, Western New England College's women's basketball team will have a somewhat new look this season.

"Due to key players either graduating or not returning, we will have a very inexperienced team on the floor this year," says fourth-year WNEC coach Wendy Davis.

Western New England College lost almost 62% of its offense, so defense and rebounding again will be important keys to the team's success. The Golden Bears traditionally have been strong in those areas — last year they held opponents to only 33.1% shooting while holding a +5.3 per game rebounding advantage.

WNEC has a top player in senior forward Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA) who led the team in scoring (9.8 avg.) and rebounding (7.2) last year.

Davis has two veteran players in the backcourt, senior Lindsey Black (Bernardston, MA) who averaged 4.6 points in 27 games (7 starts) and junior Emily Sward (Plainville, CT) who averaged 4.0 points in 28 contests (19 starts). After these players, no other returnee averaged over four points or three rebounds.

"Other than Jamie Carney, we have upperclassmen who were not necessarily looked upon to score last year," noted Davis. "This year, they have to be ready to step up and make an impact offensively. Also, our four freshmen do not have time to be 'true' freshmen this season. They will be looked upon to play and score immediately. I think this class will welcome that challenge."

The other returning players are senior guards Heather Gaydos (Barre, VT) and Ashley Koch (Annville, PA), and sophomore forward Shelley Everson (Plainville, CT).

The five newcomers making their varsity debut are sophomore guard Kristin Pimental (North Tiverton, RI), freshmen forwards Lisa Masella (Newtown, CT) and Chelsea Whelan (Westerly, RI), and freshmen guards Sarah Brixner (Hamden, CT) and Jessica Harrica (Morrisonville, NY).

Western New England College opens its season at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 23 at home against Elms College. The Golden Bears will participate in the Keene State Tournament and inaugural Pioneer Valley Classic this season. WNEC also will travel to Pennsylvania to play Albright College and Alvernia College for the first time.

Items of Interest: Black, Carney, and Koch will serve as team tri-captains... Davis, a former standout at UConn, has a 52-27 record (64.2 winning percentage) in three seasons... Western New England College will host the semifinals and championship game of the GNAC Tournament on Friday-Saturday, February 28-March 1.

FORMER GOLDEN BEARS STANDOUT JOY CLARK INDUCTED INTO DOWNES ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

WNEC salutes two-sport star for contributions to program

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Former Golden Bears standout Joy E. Clark Cunningham '95 was among six individuals inducted into the fourth annual Western New England College Downes Athletic Hall of Fame on September 21, 2002, during Homecoming Weekend.

Cunningham, a native of Agawam, Massachusetts, was a four-year performer at a guard position. She is third in career three-pointers (80), and fifth in both assists (260) and steals (213).

Cunningham also ranks among the top women's soccer players in school history. She was a three-year starter at a sweeper position and a team captain her senior season. Cunningham was named to the New England Women's Athletic Conference (NEWAC) All-Star Team in 1996. She also contributed 21 points (8 goals, 5 assists) during her career.

Cunningham earned a bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering. She resides in Middletown, Connecticut.

Western New England College's Athletic Hall of Fame is named in honor of former professor and present men's golf coach William Arthur (Red) Downes who was among the inaugural group inducted in 1999.

The Class of 2002 also featured Peter M. Black '87, men's lacrosse; Alan J. Fabian '89, baseball; Brian J. Solomon '84 and his brother Gary J. Solomon '86, both wrestling, and former baseball, women's soccer, and women's tennis coach Patrick A. Ricci.

WNEC Winter Sports Banquet Saturday, April 6, 2002

Women's Basketball Award Recipients
Golden Bear Award for Leadership – Senior Joyce Neilson (Salisbury, CT)
Unsung Hero Award – Senior Christine Danner (Embden, ME)
Rookie-of-the-Year Award – Freshman Kim Constantinesco (Dallas, TX)

ECAC New England Division III Tournament

Babson 64, WNEC 56 (Feb. 27)

WNEC VISITS BABSON IN ECAC DIVISION III TOURNEY

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Feb. 26, 2002) — Western New England College's women's basketball team will visit Babson College in an opening round game of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) New England Division III Tournament at 7 p.m. Wednesday (Feb. 27) at the Staake Gymnasium in Babson Park.

Western New England (20-7) is seeded sixth in the eight-team tournament while Babson (18-9) is seeded third. The Golden Bears are participating in the ECAC Tournament for the first time in eight years.

WNEC leads the all-time series with Babson by a 4-1 margin, but this will be the first meeting between the schools in 17 years.

CHRISTINE DANNER NAMED WNEC FEMALE ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Feb. 26, 2002) — Basketball forward Christine Danner (Embden, ME — Carrabec High School) was honored Tuesday (Feb. 26) as the Western New England College Female Athletes-of-the-Week.

Danner, a senior co-captain, was selected to the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) All-Tournament Team after scoring a season high 10 points with a career high 14 rebounds in a loss against nationally-ranked Emmanuel College in a conference tournament semifinal contest on February 23.

2002 GNAC Tournament
(WNEC Alumni Healthful Living Center)
Championship - Saturday, Feb. 23
Emmanuel 79, Norwich 62

2002 GNAC Tournament
(WNEC Alumni Healthful Living Center)
Semifinals - Friday, Feb. 22
Norwich 64, Suffolk 62
Emmanuel 69, WNEC 46

2002 GNAC Tournament
Quarterfinals - Tuesday, Feb. 19

No. 1 Emmanuel 92, No. 8 Saint Joseph, Conn. 28
No. 2 Norwich 77, No. 7 Pine Manor 37
No. 3 Suffolk 60, Albertus Magnus 54
No. 4 Western New England 62, Johnson & Wales 60

WNEC 62, JOHNSON & WALES 60 (Feb. 19)

JOYCE NEILSON SELECTED AS THE WNEC ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

Kim Constantinesco named the GNAC Women's Basketball Rookie-of-the-Week

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Feb. 19, 2002) — Basketball captain Joyce Neilson (Salisbury, CT)) was honored Tuesday (Feb. 19) as the Western New England College Female Athlete-of-the-Week.

Neilson, a senior point guard, averaged 11.3 points and 3.0 steals in three victories. She shot 63.2% from the field (12-for-19) and made all four free-throw attempts. A sport management major, Neilson also had a season high 17 points (all in the first half) against Simmons College.

In other news, Western New England College freshman forward Kim Constantinesco (Dallas, TX) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Basketball Rookie-of-the-Week on Monday (Feb. 18). She averaged 12.0 points and 3.0 rebounds in three contests off the bench. She shot 50% from the field (14-for-28) and 87.5% from the foul line (7-for-8). Constantinesco, a psychology major, also had a career high 24 points

WNEC 81, Saint Joseph, Conn. 56 (Feb. 16)

WNEC HOSTS NATIONAL GIRLS & WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY SATURDAY

Student-Athlete academic honorees to be honored at halftime of Emmanuel contest

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Feb. 4, 2002) — Western New England College will host its third annual Girls and Women in Sports Day on Saturday, February 9 in the Alumni Healthful Living Center.

Approximately 150 girls ages 8-12 from the Greater City of Springfield area will attend the event that includes clinics in seven sports (basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball) and instruction by WNEC coaches and varsity athletes. In addition, recreation time will be made available and lunch provided.

Five members of the Springfield Spirit pro women's basketball team, including former UConn player Christine Rigby , will sign autographs later in the morning.

All youngsters are asked to donate two canned goods, which will be given to a local domestic violence shelter.

As a bonus Saturday, all the participants will be able to attend the WNEC-Emmanuel women's basketball game that starts at 1 p.m. At half-time, WNEC will honor all of its women student athlete academic honorees, including Verizon First Team Academic All America Laura Sturgis (women's lacrosse).

Suffolk 60 , WNEC 56 (Feb. 2)

Springfield 69 , WNEC 54 (Jan. 31)

Norwich 76, WNEC 50 (Jan. 29)

JUNIOR JAMIE CARNEY SELECTED WNEC FEMALE ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Jan. 29, 2002) — Junior basketball star Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA — Nauset Regional High School) was honored Tuesday (Jan. 29) as the Western New England College Female Athlete-of-the-Week.

Carney, a forward, scored a season high 20 points in a victory over visiting Pine Manor College. She made 8-of-10 shots from the field, and was 4-for-4 from the foul line. Carney also pulled down three rebounds, and had three assists and three steals as the Golden Bears improved their record to 14-2. She leads the team in scoring (10.8 avg.) and rebounding (7.9).

WNEC 88, Pine Manor 39 (Jan. 26)

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE RANKED SECOND NATIONALLY IN SCORING DEFENSE

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Jan. 23, 2002) — Western New England College's women's basketball team is ranked second among NCAA Division III schools in scoring defense, according to the latest national statistics released Wednesday (Jan. 23).

The Golden Bears (13-2) are allowing only 46.9 points an outing through 15 games. Maine Maritime Academy leads the nation with a 46.4 average. WNEC also is tied for seventh nationally with Pine Manor College in field-goal percentage defense (31.7).

Last year Coach Wendy Davis' squad finished fourth nationally in scoring defense (48.4) and 15th in field-goal defense (33.4).

Western New England has an eight-game winning streak entering a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) meeting with Pine Manor starting at 1 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 26) in the Alumni Healthful Living Center.

JAMIE CARNEY SELECTED TO GNAC WEEKLY HONOR ROLL

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Jan. 23, 2002) — Western New England College junior forward Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA — Nauset Regional High School) was named Monday (Jan. 21) to the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Basketball weekly honor roll.

Carney averaged 13.7 points and 11.0 rebounds in a 3-0 week while shooting 51.6% from the field (16-for-31) and 70% from the foul line (7-for-10). She compiled back-to-back double-doubles against Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (10 points, 15 rebounds) and Johnson & Wales University (16 points, 12 rebounds).

Carney, a biology major, leads the Golden Bears in scoring (10.1 avg.) and rebounding (8.2). WNEC (13-2) has an eight-game winning streak entering a home contest against Pine Manor College at 1 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 26).

WNEC 67, Johnson & Wales 56 (Jan. 19)

WNEC 78, Mass. College 38 (Jan. 17)

WNEC 75, Emerson 45 (Jan. 12)

WNEC 60, Salve Regina 41 (Jan. 8)

JUNIOR LINDSEY BLACK SELECTED AS THE WNEC ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Jan. 8, 2002) — Junior basketball guard Lindsey Black (Bernardston, MA — Pioneer Valley Regional High School) was honored Tuesday (Jan. 8) as the Western New England College Female Athlete-of-the-Week. She also was selected to the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) weekly honor roll.

Black, a marketing communications major, scored a season high 18 points (7-for-11 from the field) off the bench with six rebounds, and two steals in a 58-39 road win over Russell Sage College last Sunday (Jan. 6) in Troy, New York as WNEC improved its record to 8-2.

WNEC 58, Russell Sage 39 (Jan. 6)

WNEC 84, Elms 49 (Dec. 8)

WNEC 75, Eastern Nazarene 31 (Dec. 6)

Amherst 65, WNEC 32 (Dec. 4)

WNEC IMPROVES RECORD TO 5-1 WITH A
58-52 WIN OVER WESTFIELD STATE

WESTFIELD, Mass. (Dec. 1, 2001) — Freshman center Katie Blaha scored 16 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, and junior forward Jamie Carney added 13 points and 16 rebounds, to lead visiting Western new England College to a 58-52 victory over Westfield State College. The Golden Bears are now 5-1.

WNEC 56, FITCHBURG STATE 51 (Nov. 29)

GOLDEN BEARS WIN THIRD STRAIGHT WITH 79-62 VICTORY OVER FRAMINGHAM STATE

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 27, 2001) — Freshman center Katie Blaha had 14 points and nine rebounds, and junior forward Jamie Carney added 10 points and 10 rebounds to lead Western New England College to a 79-62 win over visiting Framingham State College.

The Golden Bears improved their record to 3-1 with their third straight victory. The Rams fall to 0-4.

Junior guard Lindsey Black scored 11 of her 13 points in the second half to help WNEC break away from a 30-30 halftime tie.

KRISTA SAVARD SELECTED AS THE WNEC ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. Ñ Women's basketball guard Krista Savard (Fairfield, CT) was honored Tuesday (Nov. 27) as the Western New England College Athlete-of-the-Week.

Savard, a sophomore, scored a game high 13 points with four steals and two assists in a 71-50 victory over WPI on November 20. She also was named to the Mount Holyoke Tip-Off All-Tournament Team after scoring 16 points with four steals, three assists, and three rebounds in a 71-27 win over Wentworth Institute of Technology in the third place game on November 17.

Through three games, Savard is averaging a team high 10.3 points while shooting 50% from the field (11-for-22) and 75% from the foul line (9-for-12).

A marketing/advertising communications major, Savard is a 2000 graduate of Fairfield High School where she was All-League performer in basketball and soccer.

Western New England College (2-1) hosts Framingham State College at 7 p.m. Tuesday (Nov. 27).

WNEC OPENS HOME SEASON WITH 70-51 WIN OVER WPI

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 20, 2001) — Sophomore guard Krista Savard scored a game high 13 points as Western New England College opened its home season with a 70-51 win over WPI.

Senior forward Christine Danner came off the bench to add 10 points and five rebounds. Junior forward Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA) also contributed 10 points.

WNEC shots a season high 49.1% from the field and forced 36 turnovers. All 12 players scored points for the Golden Bears who improved their record to 2-1.

Western New England hosts Framingham State College at 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 28.

GOLDEN BEARS ROLL OVER WENTWORTH, 71-27

SOUTH HADLEY , Mass. (Nov. 17, 2001) — Sophomore gaurd Krista Savard scored 16 points and freshman center Katie Blaha added 12 points and six rebounds as Western New England College defeated Wentworth Institute of Technology, 71-27, in the third place game of the Mount Holyoke Tip-Off Classic. Savard was named to the All-Tournament Team. WNEC (1-1) hosts WPI at 7 p.m. Tuesday (Nov. 20).

WNEC FALLS TO CURRY IN SEASON OPENER, 62-45

SOUTH HADLEY , Mass. (Nov. 16, 2001) — Western New England College opened its season with a 62-45 loss to Curry College in the Mount Holyoke College Tip-Off Tournament. Junior forward Jamie Carney led the Golden Bears with eight points

GOLDEN BEARS HOST MIT IN SCRIMMAGE NOV.10

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 6, 2001) — Western New England College will host MIT in a scrimmage starting at noon Saturday (Nov. 10) in the Alumni Healthful Living Center.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM CHALLENGES FOR GNAC TITLE

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 1, 2001) — With four returning starters, Western New England College's women's basketball team hopes to challenge for the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament title this season.

Last year Western New England posted a 16-10 record, including a 10-2 mark that tied for second place in the conference during the regular season. The Golden Bears advanced to the semifinals of the GNAC Tournament for the first time. WNEC also ranked fourth nationally in scoring defense (48.4 points).

Although GNAC All-Star First Team guard Erin Marino (1,327 career points) graduated , the Golden Bears have a top player in junior center Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA) who averaged 11.9 points and 8.2 rebounds (both team highs) in earning a spot on the GNAC All-Star Second Team.

WNEC coach Wendy Davis also welcomes back junior guard Lindsey Black (Bernardston, MA) who averaged 7.8 points, senior point guard Joyce Neilson (Salisbury, CT), 5.3, and senior forward Christine Danner (Embden, ME), 3.6.

Neilson and Danner will serve as the team co-captains.

Another player to watch is sophomore guard Krista Savard (Fairfield, CT) who averaged 7.3 points in 26 games (4 starts).

Senior guard Callie Durbrow (Washington, VT), juniors guards Heather Gaydos (Barre, VT) and Ashley Koch (Annville, PA), and sophomore forward Allison Clark (Haddam, CT) are experienced varsity players who will challenge for more playing time.

The newcomers are sophomore guard Emily Sward (Plainville, CT) and five freshmen, guards Kim Constantinesco (Salt Lake City, UT), Nicole Hall (Meriden, CT), and Mandee Signor (East Haven, CT), and forwards Katie Blaha (Attleboro, MA) and Shelley Everson (Plainville, CT).

"We have good senior leadership and a great group of freshmen that could have an immediate impact," said Davis, the former UConn standout who has guided the Golden Bears to a 32-19 record (62.7%) in two seasons.

WNEC opens its season at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16 against Curry College in the opening round game of the Mount Holyoke Tournament. The home opener takes place at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 20, against WPI.

News from the 2002-03 Season

News from the 2001-02 Season

News from the 2000-01 Season

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