2008-09 Women's Basketball News
Bailey Signs NLI, Set to Join CCSU Women's Basketball for 2009-10 Season
Central Connecticut women's basketball head coach Beryl Piper announced the addition of Bacon Academy's Brooke Bailey to her 2009-10 recruiting class. Bailey, a 6-1 combo guard from Colchester, CT, signed her national letter of intent to become a Blue Devil this fall. She is the third student-athlete to sign with the program, joining Kirsten Daamen and Jameilia Dillon.
April 28, 2009
In the Paint: Wrapping Up the 2008-09 Season, Discussing the Future
In this edition of In the Paint, Coach Piper broke down Central Connecticut's Northeast Conference Tournament quarterfinal and semifinal games. She also talked about the potential for a Blue Devils appearance in the WNIT and how much fun it has been to be a part of the nation's best turnaround.
March 30, 2009
It's Free: Listen to Women's Hoops in First Round WNIT Action at Boston University on Thursday at 7 p.m.
Listen to the Central Connecticut women's basketball team take on Boston University in first round WNIT action tonight at 7 p.m. Central Connecticut will offer free audio on CCSUBlueDevils.com. Roger Houston will have the call. Check out mediaCENTRAL for more information.
March 19, 2009
Central Connecticut Ends Historical Season with First Round WNIT Loss at Boston University
Appearing in postseason play past a conference tournament for the first time in its history as an NCAA Division I program, Central Connecticut (18-14) lost, 79-60, against Boston University (25-7) in WNIT first round action at Case Gymnasium. The Blue Devils, who have the best turnaround in the nation this season, were led by sophomores Kerrianne Dugan and Leanne Crockett and freshman Shontice Simmons. Dugan had her second double-double of the season, posting 16 points and 11 rebounds. Crockett and Simmons each added 17 points.
March 19, 2009
In the Paint: WNIT Edition - Discussion on Boston University, Team Send-Off and More
Coach Piper was back for a WNIT edition of In the Paint this afternoon. She discussed the excitement about earning a spot in the postseason tournament, Central Connecticut's match-up with America East regular season champion Boston University, and more.
March 17, 2009
Women's Basketball Headed to Boston University for WNIT First Round Action
Central Connecticut will face Boston University on Thursday, March 19 in the Postseason Women's National Invitational Tournament. The Blue Devils, who are currently 18-13, earned the Northeast Conference's automatic berth after finishing second during the regular season. The WNIT appearance is Central Connecticut's first during its NCAA Division I history. The Blue Devils had not been selected for play past conference tournament action until this season. The game time for Thursday will be announced when it becomes available.
March 16, 2009
Women's Basketball Drops NEC Semifinal Decision to St. Francis (PA) on Saturday Afternoon
The second seeded Central Connecticut women's basketball team dropped a 73-62 decision to third seeded St. Francis (PA) in the Northeast Conference Tournament semifinals on Saturday afternoon in Fairfield, CT. The Blue Devils, now 18-13 overall this season, can earn a berth in the Postseason WNIT if Sacred Heart wins the NEC title next week. Freshman Shontice Simmons led the Blue Devils with 15 points. She also had seven rebounds. Freshman Gabrielle Oglesby and sophomore Leanne Crockett each added 13 points in the loss.
March 08, 2009
Dugan Selected Second Team All-NEC, Simmons Named to All-Rookie Team
Sophomore Kerrianne Dugan and freshman Shontice Simmons were each awarded postseason honors by the Northeast Conference this evening at the league's women's basketball banquet. Dugan picked up a second team All-NEC selection, while Simmons was named to the 2008-09 Northeast Conference All-Rookie Team. Dugan becomes just the fourth CCSU player to garner a selection on either the first or second team since the program joined the NEC in 1997-98. Simmons, meanwhile, is the sixth Blue Devil in seven seasons to earn a spot on the league's all-rookie team.
March 07, 2009
Balanced Effort Leads CCSU to Northeast Conference Semifinals, First Tournament Win in 11 Seasons
Seven players had six or more points for second seeded Central Connecticut (18-12) in a 62-51 Northeast Conference Tournament quarterfinal win over seventh seeded Fairleigh Dickinson (10-20). Sophomores Kerrianne Dugan and Leanne Crockett each scored 11 points for the Blue Devils, who earned a spot in Sunday's semifinals against third seeded St. Francis (PA).
March 07, 2009
Simmons and Wade Combine for 31 Points in CCSU's Regular Season Finale, Blue Devils Fall 67-51 Versus Monmouth
Central Connecticut (17-12, 12-6) ended its regular season with a 67-51 Northeast Conference home loss versus Monmouth (17-12, 11-7). Freshman Shontice Simmons led the Blue Devils with 17 points and eight rebounds. Junior P.J. Wade added 14 points and five boards in the defeat. Both players had two steals. CCSU will make its return to the Northeast Conference Tournament on Saturday, March 7. The Blue Devils, who last made it to the league tournament in 2005-06, will be the #2 seed. They play #7 Fairleigh Dickinson at 5:30 p.m. in the Pitt Center on the campus of Sacred Heart.
March 02, 2009
Simmons Guides Blue Devils in NEC Road Loss Versus Quinnipiac
Freshman Shontice Simmons had 16 points, six rebounds and six assists to lead Central Connecticut (17-11, 12-5) in a 79-68 Northeast Conference loss at Quinnipiac (17-10, 10-7). Sophomores Leanne Crockett, who made four three-pointers, and Kerrianne Dugan and freshman Gabrielle Oglesby each added 12 points for the Blue Devils.
February 28, 2009
Simmons Scores 18 in Northeast Conference Home Loss Versus Sacred Heart
Freshman Shontice Simmons had 18 points and six assists to lead Central Connecticut (17-10, 12-4) in an 81-62 Northeast Conference home loss versus Sacred Heart (20-7, 17-0). Freshman Gabrielle Oglesby and junior P.J. Wade each had 10 points in the loss. Despite the loss, CCSU collected the #2 seed in the upcoming conference tournament. The Blue Devils earned the second slot thanks to a 77-69 Monmouth win over Robert Morris in West Long Branch, NJ.
February 23, 2009
Dugan and Udenze Each Record Double-Double in 64-52 Blue Devil Home Win Over St. Francis (NY)
Sophomores Kerrianne Dugan and Justina Udenze each posted a double-double in a 62-54 Central Connecticut (17-9, 12-3) Northeast Conference home win over St. Francis (NY) (4-22, 3-13). Dugan had 15 points and 10 rebounds to collect her first double-double of the season. She also had six assists. Udenze added 16 points and 10 rebounds. It was the third straight double-double performance for Udenze. With the win, Central Connecticut matched its second-highest win total in the program's NCAA Division I history. The Blue Devils went 17-10 in 1997-98. The 12 NEC wins tie the most in school history. CCSU went 12-4 in 1997-98.
February 21, 2009
Blue Devils Celebrating Think Pink, Honoring Dr. Brenda Reilly at Saturday's Alumni Day
Central Connecticut will celebrate alumni day on Saturday, Feb. 21 when St. Francis (NY) comes to Detrick Gymnasium. The afternoon will also serve as Think Pink Day for the Blue Devils. In addition, head coach Beryl Piper and fellow alumni will honor their former coach, CCSU Hall of Famer Dr. Brenda Reilly. Reilly, the 1985-86 NCAA Division II Coach of the Year, served as the Blue Devil head coach from 1971 through 1995 and passed away on Aug. 5, 2000 following a battle with ovarian cancer.
February 20, 2009
Simmons Collects First Choice Hotels/Northeast Conference Rookie of the Week Honor
Central Connecticut freshman Shontice Simmons was named the Choice Hotels/Northeast Conference Rookie of the week this afternoon. Simmons averaged 20.5 points, 4.0 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals in a 1-1 week for the Blue Devils.
February 17, 2009
Blue Devils Rally for 71-69 Road Win Over Fairleigh Dickinson, Simmons Scores Team-High 15 Points
Freshman Shontice Simmons had 15 points, including 10 in the second half, in a 71-69 Central Connecticut (16-9, 11-3) comeback win at Fairleigh Dickinson (9-16, 8-7). Simmons also had six assists and four rebounds. Sophomore Justina Udenze had her second straight double-double effort, totaling 12 points and 10 rebounds. Sophomore Leanne Crockett added 14 points and nine rebounds, while classmate Kerrianne Dugan had nine points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. With the victory, Central Connecticut secured its first winning season since going 14-13 in 2000-01.
February 16, 2009