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

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.

Take A Kid To The Game Flyer

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.

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

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.

Centenary used excellent second half shooting as a team and strong interior defense from senior Bridget McCann (Keyport, N.J./Keyport) to lead the Cyclones to their 13th win of the season (13-6) and seventh win in the CSAC (7-4).

The two teams played back-and-forth for the opening three minutes in which Cabrini held a minimal lead. The Cavaliers then opened the game up to a 21-7 lead by way of a 12-0 run as the game neared the midpoint of the first half. The Cyclones would regroup and tighten up the defense, holding Cabrini to just seven points in the final 13 minutes of the half.

With the Cavaliers holding a 24-12 lead with 10:45 to go in the half, Centenary went on a run of their own. The Cyclones forced eight turnovers leading to a 16 consecutive points, turning a 12 point deficit into a five point 29-24 lead with under two minutes in the half. The Cyclones grabbed the lead at the 3:38 mark on two converted free-throws by senior Jasmine Rosa (Dumont, N.J./Dumont) following a turnover by Cabrini leading to a layup from freshman Andrea Innis (Secaucus, N.J./Secaucus). Centenary would head into the locker room with a 31-28 lead.

The second half saw Centenary stretch its lead methodically in the early minutes of the half. Junior Danielle Trucksess (Collingswood, N.J./Collingswood) drained one of her three, three-pointers of the half to put the Cyclones up 37-31. Trucksess and the Cyclones, who did not hit a three point shot in the first half, went 4-6 from long range in the second half as they took a stranglehold of the game.

The Cyclones were just as effective from inside the arch in the second half, as they shot just under 54 percent from the field, led by senior Jen Vasta (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) who struck for ten of her game high 18 points in the second half. Senior Hannah Ally (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) was strong from the field (4-8) and the foul line (6-7), contributing 14 points in the effort. Though she did not score a basket, McCann played a pivotal role in the game as the senior who need just 8 blocks to set the school record in blocks, aided the Centenary cause with two blocks and nine defensive rebounds.

Centenary opened up a ten point lead midway through the second half and never looked back as the Cyclones held a double-digit lead until the clock ran out. The win keeps Centenary just two games back of CSAC North leaders Marywood and Baptist Bible with games versus both opponents still to play. Centenary will step outside the CSAC for an independent game at Mount Saint Vincent on Monday, Jan. 30th before returning to CSAC play on Wednesday, Feb. 1st as the Cyclones host Cedar Crest College at 6 pm.

Box Score

Participants may drop off their donation and pick up an orange ribbon in the Athletic Department to wear on Friday signifying their support in the Fight Against Cancer.

The games on Saturday are scheduled for the women to tip-off at 1:00pm with the men's team following immediately after at 3:00pm.

In a game where all five Centenary starters scored in double-digits, led by senior Hannah Ally’s (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) 20 points, it was the sharpshooting of Neumann that stole the show, leading to the victory Neumann shot 16-18 from the foul line, almost a 90 percent clip, yet it was the sniping of Erica Marvel and the Knights from behind the three point line that was the difference.

Neumann, who entered the game as the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) leader in three-pointers made and attempted, were 13-19 from long range, including a mindboggling 9-11 performance from Marvel from three point land. In the end, it was just one three-pointer that was the difference in the game.

The impressive shooting of Neumann overshadows, but does not take away from an outstanding effort by Centenary. After scoring the first four points of the game, Neumann found their rhythm and built a 13 point before Centenary fought back. The Cyclones headed into the locker room trailing at the half by eight, 43-35.

The Knights came out of the half and quickly regained an 11 point lead before Centenary stormed back, cutting the lead to 50-49 just over five minutes into the second half. Once again, Marvel and the Knights would move the lead back to ten, using two three-pointers. The Cyclones, determined to fight through what seemed to be supernatural accuracy by Neumann, cut the lead again to one on a basket from senior Bridget McCann (Keyport, N.J./Keyport).

On the following Neumann possession, Ally stole the ball and after an offensive rebound hit from inside the paint to give the Cyclones their first lead since the opening seconds. Ally would strike again on the next possession giving Centenary a three point lead at the ten minute mark of the second half.

The Knights would receive three more three point baskets, two from Marvel to regain the lead and push it to four before the Cyclones once again snapped back, tying the game at 68 with 6:59 to go in the game.

The game would remain close for the remainder, however it was one last three-pointer from Marvel with 5:03 on the clock that gave Neumann a five point lead. Neumann converted its free-throws preventing a Centenary comeback, and when the final seconds ticked off the clock, it was just one, three point basket that yielded the outcome.

The Cyclones finished with all five starters in double-digits, four of whom had 15 or more points. In addition to Ally’s 20, senior Jen Vasta (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) tallied 16 points, while junior Danielle Trucksess (Collingswood, N.J./Collingswood) and freshman Andrea Innis (Secaucus, N.J./Secaucus) each scored 15, as McCann added ten in the contest.

With the loss, Centenary falls to 12-6 on the season and 6-4 in CSAC play. The Cyclones will host Cabrini College on Saturday, Jan. 28th at 1 pm as part of the Coaches vs. Cancer doubleheader.

Box Score

Hamilton, a junior from Scotrun, Pa. was named the New Jersey Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (NJAIAW) Woman of the Year and was presented the award by Centenary Head Women’s Soccer Coach Kevin Davies. 

For the second consecutive year, the Cyclones’ women’s basketball team accepted the NJAIAW Team Academic Award for Winter sports for the 2010-11 season. Senior Jasmine Rosa and junior Heather Russell, along with Head Coach Justin Phoenix accepted the award on behalf of the 2010-11 team.

Hamilton was chosen by Centenary College as the female student-athlete to be distinguished as its recipient of the NJAIAW Woman of the Year. Hamilton joined girls and women from high schools and colleges from around New Jersey at the NAGWS luncheon held annually at the Richard Regan Recreation and Athletics Center on the campus of Seton Hall University.

Rosa and Russell were also present to accept the NJAIAW Team Academic Award which is awarded to the team with the highest grade point average within its specific participation season.

Each year, the NJAIAW hosts the NAGWS Day luncheon in celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day. This year’s national theme is “Title IX at 40: In it for the Long Run.” The 2011-12 luncheon is the 20th annual event celebrating the 40 years of Title IX.

Title IX was passed by the U.S. Congress on June 23, 1972, and signed by President Richard M. Nixon on July 1, 1972. It is a civil rights law prohibiting discrimination in education programs and activities receiving federal funds. Since Title IX, the number of male AND female student athletes has greatly increased with the number of male college athletes increasing from 170,384 in 1972 to 208,866 in 2001; the number of female college athletes increasing from 31,852 in 1972 to 150,916 -- a gain of over 400%. 

NJAIAW Program

In a game with little flow, Centenary used solid interior defense to force the Gators to shoot from the outside. The Gators were somewhat neutralized through the first half, but found their touch in the second.

The Cyclones, who took a ten point lead into the second half, saw the Gators strike for the first two baskets in the second half, cutting the lead to six. Centenary brought the lead to 34-25 early in the second half on a basket by senior Hannah Ally (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) only to see the Gators snap back, cutting the lead to six again. Centenary maintained composure, re-stretching the lead to ten at 40-30.

Centenary and Notre Dame of Maryland would continue at the same pace, with the Gators trying to comeback, while the Cyclones would bend, but not break. Notre Dame of Maryland would get as close as five points at 40-35 before the senior duo of Ally and Jen Vasta (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) would take the game over.

With Centenary leading 57-44 with just under five minutes remaining, the Gators started chomping away at the lead. Notre Dame of Maryland cut the lead to ten, then seven, and then six points with just over three minutes to go, when Ally stole the ball and passed to Vasta who dropped in a layup pushing the lead to 59-51.

One Gators’ possession later, Ally picked the ball from the Gators and promptly poured the ball in the basket while getting fouled on the play. Ally converted the free throw, giving the Cyclones a 63-51 lead.

Vasta would add six more points down the stretch to help lock up a victory for the Cyclones. In the win, Vasta would record a game high 20 points, 15 of which came in the second half. Vasta and Ally combined for 38 of the Cyclones’ 69 points, as Ally contributed with 18 points, six rebounds, and eight steals in the game. Junior Kellie Rose (Jackson, N.J./Jackson Memorial) went 5-6 from the foul line to help in the cause, finishing with seven points on the day.

With the victory, the Cyclones women improve to 12-5 on the season and 6-3 in the CSAC and find themselves on a three game winning streak. Centenary will next host Neumann University on Wednesday, Jan. 25th at 7 pm.

Box Score

The Cyclones would like to thank all members of the faculty for their hard work and dedication off the court and will be providing all members of the faculty in attendance with a Centenary College Athletics T-Shirt. Although all Cyclones are athletes, their performance off the court is their priority and none of it would be possible without the help of all faculty here at Centenary College.

The game is scheduled to tip-off at 7:00pm as the Cyclones host the Neumann University Knights.