The Oswego State women's basketball team used an array of offensive firepower to cruise its way to a season-opening win, 88-33, against visiting Cazenovia Tuesday night at Max Ziel Gymnasium. The Lakers put all 13 players they used in the scoring column on the way to their highest point total since a 101-74 win on Feb. 17, 2007 against Buffalo State. The win moved the Lakers to 1-0 on the season while the Wildcats dropped to 0-1.
Oswego State registered three players in double figures as co-captains Kayla Ryan and Traci Bacon chipped in 12 points each, while Sue Schoff also added 12 points off the bench.
One of the things head coach Tracy Bruno wanted to improve on coming into the season was improved shooting, and that was evident early as the Lakers shot 56 percent from the field in the first half (19-for-34) and 67 percent from three-point range (4-for-6), which led to a 51-12 halftime lead.
Senior Colleen McCready finished with eight points and four rebounds, while classmate Kristen Diglio added two trifectas for six points. Wanda Sanchez, who is the only new Laker starter, made her presence felt as she compiled six points and six rebounds.
Kassie Kleine played a key role at the backup point guard position as she cashed in six points, five assists and three rebounds. Meagan Stover provided a spark off the bench in the interior as she posted eight points and four rebounds. Taryn Smith also registered one point and three rebounds for the Lakers.
Newcomers for Oswego State played an important role as they combined for 17 points. Paula Egelston (two points, five rebounds), Jenna Rossi (five points, six rebs), Karolyn Kipper (seven rebounds) and Lauren Nunziato (seven points) all contributed in one form or another for the Lakers.
Oswego State held the Wildcats to just 24 percent shooting in the contest, while outrebounding them 52-40 on the glass. Megan McDermott led Cazenovia in the scoring column with 10 points.
The Lakers return to action Friday as they host D'Youville at 6 p.m. as a part of the Max Ziel Women's Basketball Tournament, which is also a Hoops for Haiti event. Admission to all eight contests for the men's and women's home tournament this weekend has been waived. In return fans are being asked to make a monetary donation to assist ongoing relief efforts in Haiti.