Centenary College News: Athletics

Cyclones Take Must-Win Game Over Ravens

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:08:00 -0500

ROSEMONT, Pa. (February 8, 2012) – With the end of the season winding down and the CSAC playoffs in sight, the Cyclones were able to take home a must-win 88-78 victory over the Rosemont College Ravens on Wednesday night. The victory puts both teams at 8-8 in conference, but the Cyclones have the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Ravens with a sweep of the team this season.

The game started off slow as both teams went scoreless to open up the first minute and a half before junior Warren Murphy (Ridgefield Park, N.J./Ridgefield Park) was able to nail a quick layup and free throw to put the Cyclones up 3-0 early on.

The game quickly picked up intensity with the help of three consecutive defensive rebounds by the Cyclones, as Max Hughes (Nazareth, Pa./Notre Dame Green Pond) was able to respond to a Raven free throw with a bucket from downtown to extend their lead out to 6-1.

After 5-3 run by the Cyclones, Rosemont took a quick timeout to regroup and responded with five unanswered points before a goaltending call on the Ravens swung the momentum right back to the Cyclones as they took their lead to 13-9.

The Ravens responded right back with a 9-2 run including a big block by Dan Kearny that gave Rosemont their first lead of the game at 16-15, but the Cyclones came right back with a layup and three-point foul to take the lead right back at 20-16 with just under nine minutes to go in the first half.

The Cyclones continued to dominate as they responded with back-to-back three-pointers from Murphy and Andy Charles (West Orange, N.J./Montclair) to put Centenary up 26-16. Following a Rosemont timeout, the Ravens came back with five more unanswered points, but Charles was able to deny a Raven shot and finish with his own layup to put the Cyclones up 28-21.

With the help of three unnecessary Cyclone fouls, the Ravens answered back with a 14-4 run to take back the lead at 35-32 lead, but Colin Horsch (Monroe Township, N.J./Atlantic Christian) was able to respond with a quick Centenary three to tie the game back at 35-35 with a minute to go in the half. Following a quick exchange, both teams entered the locker rooms with the score tied up at 37-37.

After giving up an initial basket, the Cyclones came out of the locker rooms fired up as they went on a 21-6 run with the help of their strong full-court press to put them back ahead 58-43 with just under 13 minutes remaining.

From that point on the Cyclone continued to dominate the rest of the second half until the Ravens were able to take an 80-64 Cyclone lead and respond with eight unanswered points to bring the game to 80-72 with just under a minute left in the game.

With the much-needed victory in sight, the Cyclones ensured the win as they went on to take an 88-78 victory over the Ravens. Five Cyclones scored in double-figures in the game as they were led by Murphy with a game-high 27 points on the night.

The Cyclones look to keep their conference playoff dreams alive on Saturday when they host Keystone College at 3:00pm as part of their annual “Take A Kid To The Game Day” event.

Centenary Women Stopped By Rosemont

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:16:00 -0500

ROSEMONT, Pa. (February 8, 2012) – Senior Bridget McCann (Keyport, N.J./Keyport) set the school record for blocks as part of five block game, and junior Danielle Trucksess (Collingswood, N.J./Collingswood) scored a game high 23 points, however it was not enough as the Cyclones dropped an important College in Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) game to the Rosemont Ravens.

Sophomore Melissa Kukoda (Spotswood, N.J./Spotswood) started the game off with a layup in the opening seconds for Centenary but the game would come to a screeching halt, however as both teams would struggle to find a groove in the early going. The Ravens slowly pushed ahead 14-10 midway through the half until Centenary received a spark.

With the Cyclones on about a four minute field goal drought, freshman Andrea Innis (Secaucus, N.J./Secaucus) blocked a Rosemont inbound pass from under the Ravens’ basket, controlling the rebound herself. Innis then fed senior Jen Vasta (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) who drained a long basket to cut the lead to a deuce.

The game would remain tight into the final minutes of the half, with Trucksess bringing the Cyclones to within one by way of two converted free throws. On the next trip down the court, McCann notched her second block of the game, making her Centenary’s all-time blocks leader with 71. With her block at the 5:08 mark of the opening half, McCann passed Angie Fredrick to set the new record.

McCann’s block seemed to provide a little momentum for Centenary as the Cyclones soon took the lead on a Vasta steal and pass to Trucksess who quickly deposited the ball in the hoop giving Centenary a 20-19 lead. Centenary would use an 8-0 lead to push the score to 25-19 heading into the final minute of the half. The Cyclones would trade baskets with Rosemont and head into the half with a 28-21 lead.

Rosemont would mount a charge early in the second half however. The Ravens, who had been in foul trouble in the first half, re-entered their top scorers and tied the game at 30 a little more than three and a half minutes into the second half.

Trucksess then got hot, scoring six of the Cyclones next ten points to tie the game at 40 midway into the second half. Centenary and Rosemont would play back-and-forth for the next five minutes until the Ravens got a basket by Ashley Montecchio who was awarded a free throw on a foul by Innis. Montecchio made the foul shot giving Rosemont a 52-48 lead with 4:36 remaining.

The Ravens would add a basket and free throw to go up 55-48 with under three minutes to go before Trucksess delivered a clutch three-pointer to narrow the score to 55-51. Vasta, feeding off the momentum picked a ball from the Ravens on the very next possession and put in a layup to close to 55-53 with 2:12 to go.

Rosemont would go back up by four and Centenary used the remaining time to foul in attempt to catch the Ravens. The Ravens made the majority of their free throws down the stretch, however, holding off a late three point basket by Trucksess for the 65-62 win.

The loss drops Centenary to 14-9 overall and 7-7 in conference and in a battle for the final spot in the CSAC Tournament. The Cyclones host Keystone College on Saturday, Feb. 11th at 1pm. The Cyclones will honor the 2011-2012 seniors in a ceremony prior to the game.

Box Score

Cyclones Ride Three Pins To Win Over Scranton

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:36:00 -0500

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (February 7, 2012) – The Cyclones won their fourth consecutive dual, taking down Metropolitan Conference foe, University of Scranton 35-15 to improve to 4-1 in conference play.

Senior Nick Priest (Edgewater Park, N.J./Burlington City) got Centenary off to a strong start, defeating Kevin Guenther by a 6-2 decision at the 141 pound weight class.

The Cyclones then got a dominant performance from freshman Joe Bartolini (Jackson, N.J./Jackson Memorial) as Bartolini recorded a 12-1 major decision over Joseph Florenzo to put Centenary ahead 13-6.

Centenary quickly bounced back after the Royals got three points by way of a decision in the 157 pound bout when junior Nick Bach (Parsippany, N.J./Parsippany) registered a pin 1:19 into the 165 lb. bout. Freshman Khalid Shakir (Bordentown, N.J./Bordentown Regional) followed Bach with a major decision to put the Cyclones in the lead 23-9 heading into the final three matches.

Scranton closed the gap to 23-15 with a pin at 184 pounds until senior Tim Lutke (Chatham, N.J./Chatham) and Sophomore Brian Grise (Rockaway, N.J./Morris Hills) posted back-to-back under a minute pins. Lutke heard the mat slap at :50 seconds with Grise flattening his opponent at the :55 second mark to finish the match in grand fashion.

The Cyclones return to action Friday, February 10th at 7 pm as Centenary hosts #30 TCNJ in a Metropolitan Conference match.

Results:   Centenary - 35     Scranton - 15
125 - Kyle McCall (Scranton) forfeit   (S, 6-0)
133 - Adam Swift (Centenary) forfeit (T, 6-6)
141 - Nick Priest (Centenary) decision over Kevin Guenther (Scranton) DEC 6-2 (C, 9-6)
149 – Joe Bartolini (Centenary) major decision over Joseph Florenzo (Scranton) MD 12-1 (C, 13-6)
157 – Shawn Flesche (Scranton) decision over Evan Miles (Centenary) DEC 10-3 (C,13-9)
165 - Nick Bach (Centenary) fall over Paul Rajan (Scranton) FALL 1:19 (C, 19-9)
174 - Khalid Shakir (Centenary) major decision over Joseph Weitemeyer (Scranton) MD 13-3 (C, 23-9)
184 - Matthew Terry (Scranton) fall over Jon Acosta (Centenary) FALL 2:38 (C, 23-15)
197 - Tim Lutke (Centenary) fall over Nicholas Genovese (Scranton) FALL 0:50 (C, 29-15)
285 - Brian Grise (Centenary) fall over Luke Genovese (Scranton) FALL 0:55 (C, 35-15)

Come "Black Out" The Gym On Friday!

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:37:00 -0500

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (February 7, 2012) – The Centenary College Sports Management Association invites everyone in attendance at Friday night’s wrestling match to participate in a “Black Out.”

Those who attend wearing Centenary apparel will receive a free, limited edition “Black Out” t-shirt. The match on Friday, Feb. 10th at 7pm features The Cyclones hosting #30 TCNJ. The Cyclones are coming off a win over East Stroudsburg University last Friday.

Vasta Stands Atop Centenary Record Book

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:07:00 -0500

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (February 6, 2012) – Even before the 2011-12 season began, Jen Vasta’s name topped the leader boards of many of Centenary’s all-time, single season, and single game records. Her Cyclones’ career was already one that would place her as one of the top women’s basketball players ever to play for Centenary before she ever set foot on the court this season. There was one more record within reach for Vasta, however – the all-time school scoring record.

Vasta entered the season needing only 240 points to break the all-time record, held by Stephanie Roberts who played for Centenary between 2006-08. In a non-conference matchup in Riverdale, N.Y. versus the College of Mount Saint Vincent, Vasta surpassed Roberts’ record, placing the name “Jen Vasta” atop the most cherished individual record.

“I’m really proud of it,” says the new record holder, pointing out the fact that she did not reach the 1,000 point milestone in high school, but also explaining that she hopes it comes as a footnote in a more memorable season.

The accomplishment comes in a season where Vasta has been more visible dishing out assists to her teammates than shooting. Some of those teammates on the receiving end of Vasta’s passes have been with her the entire way, something Vasta truly appreciates.

“I couldn’t ask for a better group to play with. It’s such a great group and I owe them the credit for this accomplishment,” says Vasta.

The group of whom Vasta credits is comprised of Hannah Ally, Colleen Collins, Bridget McCann, Jasmine Rosa, and Chelsea Shaw. The six seniors have all had their ups and downs on the court and shared every moment together. Vasta, who states that she is proud of becoming the all-time scoring leader, really wants her teammates to have the opportunity to experience a moment like she did last spring in her second sport of softball.

Last spring, the Cyclones won the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) over Neumann University. The score was 12-11. Centenary won on a walk-off single in the bottom of the seventh inning earning the Cyclones their first ever NCAA Tournament berth. Vasta scored the winning run.

“I just want to feel that again. I want this team to feel that. I still feel the moment I crossed home plate and had the whole team jumping all around me. I want that so much,” Vasta says. You can almost see her replaying the moment in her eyes.

Athletic accomplishments are noteworthy and important, however Vasta is most proud of her academic awards. A CSAC All-Academic Team member for every season she has participated, Vasta’s future seems to be in education. Vasta returns to practice each day after fulfilling her student-teaching obligations.

“I cherish the phrase ‘student-athlete’,” Vasta explains. “I believe it is important to be well-rounded.”

Well rounded is exactly what you see when looking at Jen Vasta’s statistics. In a recent game versus Cedar Crest College, Vasta recorded eight points, eight rebounds, 11 assists and seven steals. On some nights, she scores more, while other nights Vasta may feed her teammates the ball more often. Either way, it is Vasta who controls the Cyclones offense. It has been for the past four years.

As for the present, Vasta and the Cyclones are currently in a battle for a place in the CSAC playoffs. The Cyclones will need to play well in the final three conference games if they want to have an opportunity to experience the same excitement Vasta did last spring away from her basketball family.

Cyclones Take Down Defenders In Overtime

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:36:00 -0500

CLARKS SUMMIT, Pa. (February 4, 2012) – The Cyclones were able to take down the Baptist Bible College Defenders 78-72 in overtime in a must-win conference matchup on Saturday to improve their record to 11-11 with a 7-8 conference mark.

The Cyclones attacked right off the tip-off as sophomore Andy Charles (West Orange, N.J./Montclair drained a three in the first 11 seconds of the game to put Centenary up 3-0. That wasn’t all for the Cyclones early as they continued on a 7-2 run to jump out to a 10-2 lead in only the first four and a half minutes of the game.

Unfortunately, the Defenders responded with an answer of their own as they came back with seven unanswered points to bring the game within one point before an exchange of baskets brought the game tied 15-15 with just under 12 minutes to go in the first half.

After a few Defender buckets, the Cyclones stormed on an 11-0 run to jump out to a 29-19 lead as seniors Daniel Stein (Holmdel, N.J./Holmdel) and Colin Horsch (Monroe Township, N.J./Atlantic Christian) paired up for three consecutive buckets from downtown.

The Cyclones continued to dominate from outside the perimeter in the first half as they entered the locker rooms with a 43-28 lead thanks to an 11-19 mark from downtown in the first half alone. The key in the first half for Centenary was their points off the bench as the Cyclones outscored the Defender bench 26-6 entering the half.

After a back-and-forth ten minutes to open the second half, the Cyclones were able to jump out to a 17 point lead at 60-43 with just under ten minutes to go, but the Defenders responded right back with a 21-5 run to bring the game to within one point with only 35 seconds away from the Cyclones taking home the win.

Following two needed fouls to stop the clock, the Cyclones were able to drain only two of their four free throw opportunities to bring the score to 67-64. With the clock running out, Stephen Howard was able to drain a three with only eight seconds remaining to tie the game up 67-67 and send the game into overtime.

The Cyclones knew they needed a win and proved it when they came out in overtime as junior Max Hughes (Nazareth, Pa./Notre Dame Green Pond) was able to drain a three to put Centenary up 70-67 early on.

Following an exchange of baskets, sophomore Gabe Cheavers (Howell, N.J./Howell) was able to boost the Cyclones back up with a huge block before committing a foul to send the Defenders to the line. Baptist Bible made sure to drain both free throws to bring the Cyclone lead to 71-70 with just over a minute and a half to go.

From there the Cyclones ensured their victory as they hit a layup and 5-8 of their free throws to bring them to a much needed 78-72 conference victory in overtime over the Baptist Bible College Defenders.

Stein finished the game with a huge 15 points off the bench with all 15 points coming from three-point range. The Cyclones finished the game shooting 48.3% from downtown, including a perfect 3-3 mark by Horsch.

The Cyclones return to action on Wednesday when they hit the road to take on Rosemont College at 8:00pm.

Box Score

Cyclones To Host Take A Kid To The Game Day!

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:20:00 -0500

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (February 4, 2012) – The Centenary College athletic department will be hosting their annual “Take A Kid To The Game Day” next Saturday, Feb. 11 as both the men and women’s basketball team’s host Keystone College in a vital conference double-header.

The Cyclones are asking all fans to come out and bring the youth community out for a day of exciting college basketball. All fans ages 14 and under will receive free admission, a free give-a-way, and the opportunity for a “meet the team” and autographs following the conclusion of the game!

For more information, feel free to contact the Centenary College Athletic Department at athletics@centenarycollege.edu. Tip-off for the first game of the double-header is set for 1:00pm.

Take A Kid To The Game Flyer

Centenary Women Fall to Baptist Bible

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:05:00 -0500

CLARKS SUMMIT, Pa. (February 4, 2012) – The Cyclones women fought back from an early deficit to take a lead into halftime, but could not hold off Baptist Bible College in the second half, falling to the Defenders 68-54 in a important Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) game.

Centenary went down 8-0 to begin the game as Baptist Bible’s Ruthie Butts connected on two three-pointers to start the game, but the Cyclones would work back after receiving their first basket from junior Danielle Trucksess (Collingswood, N.J./Collingswood). Centenary would cut the lead to three on a steal and layup by senior Jen Vasta (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) before the Defenders would respond.

Baptist Bible would go up by three before Trucksess would tie the game at 14 midway through the opening half. Once again, the Defenders would regain the lead, this time going up by five. As was the story of the first half, the Cyclones would claw back again, this time using some solid play on the defensive end.

With just over six minutes remaining in the half and Baptist Bible possessing a 22-18 lead, senior Bridget McCann (Keyport, N.J./Keyport) swatted away Defenders’ shots on two consecutive trips down the court. Freshman Andrea Innis (Secaucus, N.J./Secaucus) hit for two of her eight first half points, narrowing the score to 22-20. The Cyclones stopped Baptist Bible on the next trip, then got the game tying basket on a jumper by senior Jasmine Rosa (Dumont, N.J./Dumont).

Baptist Bible would again take the lead on a basket by Melanie Williams, however Centenary would take their first lead of the game with 2:45 remaining in the half when Innis drained a three point basket. As was the story of the first half, the Defenders would retake the lead again. The Cyclones, not to be deterred then got four consecutive points by senior Hannah Ally (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) heading into the half to give Centenary a hard fought 29-28 halftime lead.

The Cyclones would start the second half strong, with Innis scoring the first five second half points for Centenary, helping to keep the lead in the early going. Baptist Bible would eventually take the lead, and stretch the lead to six at 42-36 before Trucksess would again strike from long range to cut the Defenders lead to 42-39.

Three points would be as close as Centenary would get however, as the Defenders expanded their lead to eight with under seven minutes remaining. The Cyclones would try to fight back, but in the end, Baptist Bible maintained the lead, eventually taking the game 68-54.

The loss drops the Cyclones to 14-8 on the season and 7-6 in conference play. More importantly, Centenary no longer has a margin for error as the top six teams will advance to the CSAC playoffs. The Cyclones now are in a battle with Cabrini College for the sixth and final spot with three regular season CSAC games remaining.

Centenary will next play on Wednesday, Feb. 8th as they travel to Rosemont College to take on the Ravens at 6 pm. The Cyclones will return home on Saturday, Feb. 11th to host Keystone College on Senior Day with a ceremony to honor the Cyclones’ seniors before the game.

Cyclones Take Down Div. II Warriors 25-13

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:03:00 -0500

EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. (February 2, 2012) – The Centenary College wrestling team dominated the East Stroudsburg University Warriors on Friday night 25-13 to bring their overall record to 5-5.

Junior J.D. Zitone (Montague, N.J./Port Jervis) continues his undefeated season with a 4-0 decision over Joe Blaes to improve his record to 21-0. Freshman Chris Parker (Dover, Del./Caeser Rodney) started the night out for the Cyclones with a pin over Nick Kaiser in the first round to put Centenary up 6-0 early on. After a major decision by Adam Swift (Secaucus, N.J./Secaucus), the Cyclones dropped the next two matches. Chris Burdge (Newton, N.J./Kittatinny) scored a 2 point take down to take the match 3-1 with :02 left in the third round at 157 pounds.

The Cyclones continued to dominate with wins by Nick Bach (Parsippany, N.J./Parsippany), and Khalid Shakir (Bordentown, N.J./Bordentown Regional), including a pin by Bach late in the first round. After losses at 184 and 197, Zitone sealed the victory with a decision.

The win for the Cyclones came with four decisions and two falls to give the Cyclones a total 25 points and a victory against the Div. II Warriors in their first ever meeting. . With the win, the Cyclones return home next Tuesday when they host the University of Scranton at 7:00pm.

CENTENARY COLLEGE 25, EAST STROUDSBURG UNIVERSITY 13
125 -  Chris Parker (CEN) 2:35 by fall over Chris Kaiser (ESU)
133 -  Adam Swift (CEN) by decision over Chris Davis (ESU) 12-3
141 -  Adam Hluschak(ESU) by decision over Craig Montgomery (CEN) 5-3
149 -  Andrew Ritchie (ESU) by decision over Joe Bartolini 15-5
157 -  Chris Burdge (CEN) by decision over Braden Turner, 3-1 (13-7)
165 -  Nick Bach (CEN) by fall over Michael Honeywell, 1:56
174 -  Khalid Shakir (CEN) by decision over Tony Vordran, 5-3
184 -  Will Esposito (ESU) by decision over James Valcius, 7-6
197 -   Ed Ebewo (ESU) by decision over Tim Lutke, 5-2
285 -  J.D. Zitone (CEN) by decision over Joe Blaes, 4-0

Cyclones Fall, Ally Reaches Milestone vs. Cedar Crest

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:44:00 -0500

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (February 1, 2012) – Senior Hannah Ally (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) notched her 1,000th career point 22 seconds into the game, however Ally’s milestone would be the only positive outcome of Centenary’s game vs. Cedar Crest College as the Cyclones would fall 79-75 to the Falcons in a Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) tilt.

Ally becomes only the sixth women’s basketball player in Cyclones’ history to reach the thousand point milestone. Ally joins teammate Jen Vasta (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) who became the all time scoring leader in Cyclones’ history Monday, in the 1,000 point club, along with Stephanie Roberts, Kristen Camuso, Mona Ressaissi and Sue Sodtalbers as the only other Cyclones to reach the historic achievement.

The game was a back and forth affair with 14 ties and 10 lead changes, but it was the Falcons who would eventually prevail as Lizzy Sunderhaus proved too much for the Cyclones to handle. Sunderhaus began by dominating the first half, registering 17 points and 11 rebounds in the opening frame. Freshman Andrea Innis (Secaucus, N.J./Secaucus) did her part in going toe-to-toe in matching production by scoring 13 points of her own in the first half. Senior Bridget McCann (Keyport, N.J./Keyport) contributed with six points, five rebounds and two blocks in the first half to help send the Cyclones into the half tied at 30.

The second half proved to be a scoring frenzy as both teams would score at will. Sunderhaus continued her dominance, even stepping outside the paint to hit two three-pointers en route to 19 second half points. Again however, Centenary would have one of their own players respond as junior Danielle Trucksess (Collingswood, N.J./Collingswood) drained 21 of her 25 points in the second half including going 4-7 from three point range in the final half.

In the end, the Cyclones fought back down the stretch as Trucksess hit on one of her three point baskets with 4:35 remaining with Cedar Crest leading by eight, cutting the deficit to five. Centenary narrowed the lead to just one a little over a minute later before the Falcons rebuilt their lead to five with under :30 seconds to go. Trucksess would strike again for three, cutting the lead to just a deuce but Cedar Crest would convert their free throws eventually walking away with a four point victory.

With the loss, Centenary falls to 14-7 overall and 7-5 in the CSAC. The Cyclones next head to Clarks Summit, Pa. to take on Baptist Bible College on Saturday, Feb. 4th at 1 pm. The Defenders stand directly ahead of Centenary in the CSAC North standings. The Cyclones knocked off Baptist Bible at home, 67-54 in the first meeting of the season.

Box Score

Cyclones Drop Big Game To Griffins 93-79

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:37:00 -0500

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (February 1, 2012) – Despite junior Max Hughes (Nazareth, Pa./Notre Dame Green Pond) knocking away five three-pointers for 18 points on his 21st birthday, the Cyclones were unable to defeat the Gwynedd-Mercy College Griffins as they fell 93-79 in an important late season conference matchup.

The Cyclones came out attacking early on as Hughes knocked down a three to open up the game, but the Griffins answered right back with two layups and two free throws to take back the early lead.

After a couple exchanges of baskets back and forth, the Cyclones jumped on a 7-2 run to extend their lead out to 20-14 with just under ten minutes left in the half.

The Griffins responded with a run of their own to tie the game up, but back-to-back buckets from downtown by Andy Charles (West Orange, N.J./Montclair) and Warren Murphy (Ridgefield Park, N.J./Ridgefield Park) put the Cyclones ahead 27-21.

Both teams continued to battle back and forth for the rest of the half before the Griffins were able to respond with four late points at the end of the first half to enter the half with a 38-35 lead.

Coming out of the half, the Cyclones looked fired up as Charles started off the second half with a bucket from way downtown to tie the game up at 38-38.

Unfortunately for the Cyclones, the Griffins came firing right back as they responded with a 21-7 run to put them ahead 59-45. Despite a few Cyclone baskets, the Griffins were able to hold on and take home a 93-79 win over Centenary, pushing them to two games below the .500 mark in conference.

Hughes finished the game with 18 points, including a 5-9 mark from three-point range while also contributing with three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Senior Larry Lenahan (South Amboy, N.J./South Amboy) finished one rebound shy of a double-double as he ended with ten points and nine rebounds in the Cyclones loss. Murphy led the team with his 20 points while contributing with seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals.

The Cyclones look to jump back on Saturday when they travel to Summit, Pa. to take on the Baptist Bible College Defenders as game two of a men and women’s double-header. The men are scheduled to tip-off at 3:00pm.

VOTE NOW For Max Hughes' Buzzer Beater for ECAC Video Play of the Week

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:16:00 -0500

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (January 31, 2012) - The Eastern College Athletic Conference has announced 11 finalists for the ECAC Video Play of the Week (January 23-29) featured by Anaconda Sports.

Centenary College once again features a finalist as Max Hughes' buzzer beater to give the Cyclones an 83-82 win over Neumann University on Wed. 1/22 is up for vote. In the win over Neumann, the Cyclones came from 20 points behind with six minutes remaining in the game to win. Hughes drained the winning basket as time expired with Centenary trailing 82-81.

The opportunity to vote for your selection will be available until 8 a.m. on Thursday, February 2.

VOTE HERE for your Video Play of the Week Selection!

Cyclones to Participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Day

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:14:00 -0500

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (January 31, 2012) – The Cyclones will host Breast Cancer Awareness Day on Wednesday, February 1st as both the men’s and women’s basketball teams will be in action against Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) opponents.

The men’s team, led by Head Coach Enrico Mastroianni, and the women’s team, with Head Coach Justin Phoenix will lead their squads onto the court wearing pink socks to raise awareness of the tragic disease. Fans planning on attending the games can join in support of the Cyclones efforts to raise awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Day by wearing pink articles of clothing to the game. Fans can also make a donation at the door and receive a pink ribbon for their generosity.

According to the American Cancer Society, with the exception of skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. The chance of developing invasive breast cancer at some point in a woman’s life is less than 1 in 8 (12%). The ACS reports the chance that breast cancer will be responsible for a woman's death is about 1 in 36 (about 3%), however a promising trend recently shows death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1990. These decreases are believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as improved treatment.

The Centenary College Athletic Department is once again pleased to support the cause of Breast Cancer Awareness and looks forward to a great showing of support from families and friends as well. The women’s game will tip off at 7 pm vs. Cedar Crest College, with the men’s game slated to start at 8 pm vs. Gwynedd-Mercy College.

The Cyclones will also be honoring the Fall CSAC Academic Teams during halftime of each game, with the men being honored during the women’s game and the women’s recognition during the men’s game.

Click Here to learn more about breast cancer.

History Made In Cyclones Win Over Mount Saint Vincent

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:47:00 -0500

RIVERDALE, N.Y. (January 30, 2012) – Seniors Jen Vasta (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) and Hannah Ally (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) broke Centenary College women’s basketball history tonight as they became the Cyclones’ All-Time Leading scorer and free throw scorer respectively in a 79-61 win over the Dolphins.

Down 4-2 early on, the Cyclones sparked their offense as they went on a 9-0 run to take 11-4 lead over the Dolphins. Following two costly Centenary fouls, the Dolphins were able to bounce back with a bucket, but Danielle Trucksess (Collingswood, N.J./Collingswood) was able to knock down two free throws to put Cyclones back up 13-6.

The Cyclones jumped back on the offensive as they took an 11-2 run to extend their lead back out to 24-8. Amidst the run, Ally knocked home her two consecutive free throws to make her Centenary College’s All-Time leader in made free throws, surpassing former Cyclone Kristen Camuso’s record of 249.

Before long, the Dolphins responded with a 14-4 run of their own to bring it to 28-22, but senior Colleen Collins (Colmar, Pa./Lansdale Catholic) was able to drain a shot from downtown to put the Cyclones back in it.

On the next Centenary drive, Collins was able to come back and drop down three more points on a costly Dolphin foul outside the perimeter to put the Cyclones up 36-22 with just under two minutes left in the half.

With the clock winding down, Collins bounced around the perimeter once again and dropped down another three-pointer to give the Cyclones a 43-24 lead entering the locker rooms at the half. The Cyclones were able to capitalize on 17 Dolphin turnovers in the first half to score 13 points, 10 of which came off a fast break.

Mount Saint Vincent came out of the locker room attacking the rim as they took a 6-0 run to open up the half to bring the score to 43-30, but Trucksess was able to respond with a strong move on the baseline for a quick Cyclones layup.

Up 61-46 with just over eight minutes left in the game, Vasta knocked home a three-pointer from the right wing to put Centenary up 64-46. With those points, Vasta became the all-time leading scorer in Centenary College women’s basketball history, breaking former Cyclone Stephanie Roberts record of 1,479 points.

Despite another layup by Vasta, the Dolphins responded with seven unanswered points of their own to bring the score 64-53. Fortunately, the Cyclones came right back with an answer of their own as Ally and Collins teamed up for a quick layup and a three-pointer to put the Cyclones back up 71-53 with just under five minutes left in the game.

Despite a back and forth exchange of baskets, the Cyclones were able to hold on and take a 79-61 victory, improving their record to 14-6 on the season. Collins finished the game shooting 4-6 from downtown for a game-high 15 points while also contributing with three rebounds, two assists, and a steal in the Cyclones victory.

Ally finished the game with nine points for the Cyclones, leaving her only one point shy of the 1,000 point career milestone. The senior guard will look to break her career milestone at home on Wednesday when the Cyclones host Cedar Crest at 6:00pm as part of their annual Breast Cancer Awareness game.

Cyclones Partake In Polar Plunge

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:06:00 -0500

BENSALEM, Pa. (January 29, 2012) – Members of the Centenary College Athletic Department, including members from various Cyclones’ teams joined representatives of other Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) schools to participate in the 2012 Eastern Polar Plunge Saturday at Neshaminy State Park in Bensalem, Pa.

Over 50 student-athletes and athletic department personnel from across the CSAC participated with all funds raised going directly to the Pennsylvania Special Olympics. Over $4,000 was raised, with Centenary College accounting for over $1,482 of the total amount.

The event was hosted by the Pennsylvania Special Olympics whom recently formed a partnership with the NCAA Division-III, thus leading to the CSAC participation.

“Not only are we able to benefit the Special Olympics on a pretty large scale, but we’re able to bring our institutions together in such a fun and unique event,” said CSAC Interim Commissioner Jennifer Dubow of the event. “For one day, they’ll all be part of the same team.”

The Eastern Polar Plunge benefits nearly 20,000 athletes in PA Special Olympics, the state’s largest year-round organization devoted to sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

The Cyclones were represented by Associate Athletic Director and Head Golf Coach Josh Huber, Head Women’s Soccer Coach Kevin Davies, Assistant Women’s Soccer Coaches Becca Townsend and Richelle Morse who plunged on behalf of the athletic department while Athletic Director Billie Jo Blackwell raised funds for the cause. Centenary student-athletes who participated were Lindsay Baker and Caitlin Veverka both of whom play on both the women’s soccer and softball teams, Kelley Jane Carvalho, Tatiana Kingston and Amira Guerrero of women’s soccer, Chelsea Gummerson and Sarah Sharpe of women’s cross country, Anthony LaManna of men’s cross country, Kimberly Kupper, Lauren LaMotta and Arden Wright of women’s lacrosse, and Caitlyn Dean of softball.

Centenary Associate A.D. Josh Huber believes the event was well attended and well organized which should lead to more involvement in the future.

“I think the students who went really enjoyed it and will be enthusiastic about participating in the future. “ Huber was quick to point out that aside from the event raising money for a great cause, there was another reason for everyone to have an enjoyable time.

“We really lucked out with the weather,” added Huber. The 50 degree late January day certainly helped all those who took the plunge, yet it was the money raised for Special Olympics that will lend the real helping hand.