INDIANA, Pa. – The IUP women's basketball team opens its 2023-24 season by hosting Penn State New Kensington on Friday (Nov. 10). Tipoff for the KCAC is set for noon.
The opening game of the season is sponsored by Aramark. Fans can purchase a $10 ticket at the First Commonwealth Bank Box Office inside the lobby of the KCAC. That ticket includes a $5 redeemable voucher (no cash value), that can be used for a hot dog and soft drink at the concession stand.
GAMEDAY CENTRAL
IUP (0-0) vs. Penn State New Kensington (0-0)
Friday, November 10 – Noon -- KCAC – Indiana, Pa.
Game Coverage:
Live Video (PSAC Digital Network) --
Live Stats –
Tickets
IUP NEWS AND NOTES
- Set for its 52nd year (51st season) of basketball, the IUP women's program opens the 2023-24 season with two consecutive home games.
- IUP has won its last five regular season openers with the last setback coming in the 2017-17 season. The Hawks have not lost a home opener at the KCAC since the building opened.
- Head coach Craig Carey is set for his second season at IUP. Carey was hired just before the 2022-23 season, but had an opportunity to have a full offseason and recruiting cycle under his belt ahead of 2023-24.
- IUP finished fourth in the PSAC last season in scoring margin (+7.5), also ranking fourth in the league in scoring offense (71.2).
- The Hawks welcome back four starters in 2023-24, returning over 70% of the team's total scoring. Three of those four starters averaged double figures during an 18-10 2022-23 campaign.
- Kiera Baughman is poised for another strong season after earning All-PSAC West First Team honors in 2022-23.
- Baughman returns as the team's leading scorer (14.8). Over two seasons, Baughman has played in 58 games, posting 704 career points, 220 rebounds, 157 assists and 71 steals.
- Maria Cerro put up similar numbers as Baughman in 2022-23, logging 14.6 points/game, 116 assists (7th in PSAC), 44.3% FG% (7th in PSAC) and 61 steals (5th in PSAC). Cerro led the team in minutes (1020) during the 2022-23 season.
- Teirra Preston returns as the team's leading rebounder (9.0) from 2022-23, nearly averaging a double-double for the Hawks in the low post. Preston has played in a team0high 90 career games entering this season, shooting 51.3% for her career with 432 total rebounds.
- Gina Adams was one of three IUP players to start in all 28 games last season, logging 58 career appearances over two years with the program. Adams converted 48 three-point field goals last season as one of the Hawks top shooing threats from beyond the arc.
- Carey and the IUP coaching staff bolstered the roster with four newcomers (three transfers, one freshman). Rahmena Henderson (SEMO), Nyshae' Weaver (Alderson Broaddus) and Grace Centrulla (Mercyhurst) all bring collegiate experience to the team and will complement the returning group. Additionally, freshman shoopshooter Elena Benito joins the squad for her first collegiate season.
HOME COURT ADVANTAGE
- Since the KCAC opened in the 2011-12 season, IUP has had an outstanding home court advantage to go along with a nationally-prominent basketball program.
- IUP boasts a 143-26 (.846) mark in home games since the venue opened, not losing more than four home games in a single season during that span.
- At the KCAC, the IUP women have won:
- 13 of 17 in 2022-23 (13-4)
- 26 of their last 34 (26-8)
- 42 of their last 52 (42-10)
- 55 of their last 67 (55-12) since 2018-19
NONCONFERENCE EXCELLENCE FOR IUP
- IUP has registered a sterling 53-6 record since 2011-12 in nonconference play during the regular season.
- The Hawks have gone undefeated in conference play each of the last two seasons, posting a combined 11-0 mark during that span since 2021-22.
- Carey and IUP rattled off a 5-0 mark in the nonconference slate in 2022-23 season.
SERIES HISTORY
- Friday's meeting will be the first matchup between the two teams.
PENN STATE NEW KENSINGTON AT A GLANCE
- Rebuilding with a first-year head coach, Penn State New Kensington will challenge itself against IUP to start the 2023-24 season.
- PSNK boasts a host of newcomers for 2023-24 under the direction of head coach Mike McGoff. McGoff spent five years at Penn State Scranton and at the high school and AAU levels prior to arriving as PSNK.
- Esther Cole (10.2 PPG, 11.3 RPG) returns as the leading statistical contributor for Penn State New Kensington from last season.
FOLLOW
For up-to-date information, visit IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP women's basketball on Twitter @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUP_WBB.
