November 15, 2008
CONTACT: Van Zanic
Sports Information Director
(724) 847-6886
RUSSIN, GENEVA SUCCESSFUL IN SEASON OPENER
Pittsburg, PA - Geneva interim head coach Amy Russin got her coaching debut out of the way on Saturday as the 1st year coach led her Golden Tornadoes to a season opening victory over Carlow University at the LaRoche College tournament. The Golden Tornadoes used a balanced offensive attack to cruise past Carlow by the score of 72-53. Russin, who took over this season for legendary leader Ron Galbreath, agreed it was not a masterpiece to start the season, but to open with a victory was just fine by her. "It is certainly nice to win the first one," Russin said. "We had trouble shooting the basketball, but I was very encouraged by our effort. "We got the opportunity to allow everyone to play and I think that will certainly benefit us in the long run."
Russin got the opportunity to clear her bench as Geneva jumped out to a 20-point halftime lead at 40-20 and was able to cruise in the final 20 minutes. One of the main challenges for Geneva coming into the season was finding ways to pick up the scoring slack left by the graduation of Allyson Clarke who graduated after last season as the third all-time leading scorer.
On Saturday, Geneva got offensive contributions from several players including a foursome that finished the game in double figures. Rachel Barry and Renee Rawding led the way with 16 points each, Christine Carugati added 15 points and Michawn Rich chipped in with 14 points and a team best 11 rebounds. Rawding, who finished last season as Geneva′s top outside shooting threat, struggled from the field but more than made up for it at the foul line. Rawding was just 1-14 from the field, including a 0-6 effort from behind the arc. However, Rawding knocked down 14-16 free throws to help the offensive effort.
On defense, Geneva held Carlow to just seven first half field goals on their way to opening up a 20-point halftime lead.
Geneva will head back to LaRoche on Monday night to face the host Hawks in the final round of the LaRoche College tournament. The Golden Tornadoes will play three games in four nights as they will open their home schedule on Tuesday night against Pitt-Greensburg.
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