PITTSBURGH, PA (February 12, 2011) . . . The Chatham University women's basketball team celebrated senior day today prior to tipping off against Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) rival Washington and Jefferson College (W&J) at the Athletic and Fitness Center (AFC). Thanks to a late run by the Presidents, W&J came away with the victory 55-48.
Before tipping off, the Cougars honored the six senior members of Chatham's roster. These six women included Courtney Smith (Round Hill, VA/Loudoun Valley), Barb Petty (Amelia, OH/Glen Este), Felicia Brown (Temple Hills, MD/Friendly), Kayla Hilko (North Huntingdon, PA/Norwin), Sonjia Hoston (Homestead, PA/Wilkinsburg), and Brittany Brown (Bellefontaine, OH/Bellefontaine).
The first half of the contest was close, with both teams exchanging baskets most of the first 20 minutes. Back to back three pointers by Smith as well as two made free throws by Felicia Brown gave the Cougars the 26-17 advantage going into the locker rooms.
W&J would chip away at the lead in the opening minutes of the second half and took the lead 32-31 with 12:44 remaining in the game. Chatham would take the lead again with less than four minutes remaining, but were unable to withstand a rally by the Presidents and would eventually fall 55-48.
Sophomore Colleen Kiss (McKeesport, PA/Oakland Catholic) and Petty each contributed 11 points in the loss, followed by a 10-point effort by Felicia Brown. W&J out-scored Chatham 38-22 in the second 20 minutes of play to seal the victory today.
Petty's 11 point effort today marks a season high for her this year. The six seniors honored today are also hold the record now for most wins overall in the school's history.
Chatham (9-14, 4-10) will return to action on Wednesday, February 16th at 7 pm when they will travel to Bethany College for a PAC match-up with the Bison.
Chatham University prepares students from around the world to help develop solutions to some of the world's biggest challenges. Every Chatham student – women in Chatham's historic women's residential college, and men and women in Chatham's graduate programs – receives a highly individualized, experiential educational experience that is informed by Chatham's strong institutional commitment to globalism, the environment and citizen leadership. Founded in 1869, Chatham University includes the Shadyside Campus, with Chatham Eastside and the historic 39-acre Woodland Road arboretum, and the 388-acre Eden Hall Farm Campus north of Pittsburgh. For more information call 800-837-1290 or visit www.chatham.edu.