INDIANA, Pa. – Fresh off an impressive exhibition performance that saw the Crimson Hawks surpass the century mark, the IUP women's basketball team will officially open its 2026-27 season this weekend when it hosts Point Park and Davis & Elkins in the Crimson Hawk Classic at Memorial Field House.
IUP will face Point Park on Saturday before taking on Davis & Elkins on Sunday, with both contests scheduled to tip off at 2 p.m.
The Crimson Hawks enter the weekend following a dominant 103-26 exhibition victory over Pitt-Greensburg, a contest that showcased IUP's offensive firepower and defensive intensity. Freshman Malia Siriwardene led all scorers with 24 points, helping the Crimson Hawks secure a 77-point victory in their final tuneup before the regular season.
IUP displayed an impressive offensive performance in the exhibition, shooting 61.2% from the field while connecting on 15 of its 31 attempts from beyond the arc. The Crimson Hawks also forced 38 turnovers, demonstrating their ability to create scoring opportunities through defensive pressure.
Saturday's opponent, Point Park, enters the weekend looking to rebound from a narrow four-point loss to PSAC opponent Pitt-Johnstown.
Mya Taylor led the Pioneers with a game-high 20 points, while Carmen Vasquez recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Grace Middleton added 16 points, giving Point Park three players in double figures.
The Pioneers relied heavily on their primary offensive contributors, with Taylor, Middleton and Vasquez combining for 48 points. Point Park received just 11 points from its bench, while the contest featured only eight combined fast-break points.
IUP will look to use its defensive pressure and transition offense to establish a faster tempo against a Point Park team that played a more deliberate contest in its season opener.
Sunday's opponent, Davis & Elkins, enters the weekend seeking its first victory after opening the season with losses to Lake Erie and Malone.
The Senators have struggled defensively through their first two contests, being outscored by an average of 23 points per game. Opponents have also found success from beyond the arc, connecting on 20 three-pointers, while Davis & Elkins has made just five of its own.
That disparity could provide an opportunity for the Crimson Hawks to capitalize on their perimeter shooting, particularly with the return of Teresa Maggio.
Maggio and the IUP offense demonstrated their ability to stretch the floor in the exhibition against Pitt-Greensburg, with the Crimson Hawks attempting 31 of their 67 field goals from three-point range and converting 15.
The ability to generate quality looks from beyond the arc, combined with an aggressive defensive approach, will be key as IUP looks to establish momentum during its opening weekend.
The two contests will serve as IUP's only home games during November before the Crimson Hawks begin an extended stretch away from Indiana.
IUP will return to Memorial Field House on Dec. 4 when it hosts Shippensburg in a PSAC crossover matchup.
Both games this weekend will be played at Memorial Field House, a venue change from the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex due to the PSAC Women's Volleyball Championships taking place at the KCAC.
The Crimson Hawks will face Point Park on Saturday at 2 p.m. before concluding the Crimson Hawk Classic against Davis & Elkins on Sunday at 2 p.m.
