HAMILTON, N.Y. (2/12/09) - The Colgate women's basketball team will do its part in fighting breast cancer this Saturday, Feb. 14 when the Raiders take on Patriot League rival American University. The game will be a part of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Pink Zone initiative. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. on Cotterell Court.
Head coach Pam Bass will be donating one dollar for every fan in attendance for the contest, and fans will be able to make personal donations to the charity during the game. All proceeds from the day will be given directly to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Come out and pack the house to support the Raiders and help raise breast cancer awareness.
Colgate and American will be meeting for the 21st time, with the Eagles holding a 14-6 all time lead in the series, while the Raiders are 2-5 on Cotterell Court. Colgate last tangled with the Eagles on Jan. 17 of this year in Washington, D.C. where American posted a 63-47 victory against the Raiders.
The Raiders head into the weekend after posting their first Patriot League win of the season, 62-61 victory against Lafayette, and now hold a 5-19 record overall and are 1-8 in the conference. Sophomore Sami Kozlowski (New Market, Md.) led Colgate against the Eagles earlier this season, registering 13 points and three assists, while rookie Tricia Oakes (Evergreen, Colo.) added 10 points and four rebounds. Kozlowski and Oakes also lead the Raiders overall this season, with Kozlowski averaging 10 points per game and Oakes recording an average of 9.3 points and 6.3 boards per outing. Fellow sophomore Tayler Wejnert (Ramsey, N.J.) has an average of 11 points per game in 14 outings, while classmate Georgia Gier (Mercer Island, Wash.) has posted an average of 5.7 rebounds per game.
American currently sits tied for first place in the Patriot League rankings with a conference record of 7-2 and overall mark of 17-7. The Eagles have won seven of their last eight games, including their most recent win against Bucknell, 71-63. American is led offensively by Michelle Kirk, who has an average of 13.9 points per game along with 5.5 rebounds. Liz Leer puts in an average of 11.8 points per game, leads the team in rebounding with 5.8 boards per outing and has a total of 51 blocks so far this season. Nicole Ryan contributes an additional 11.4 points per game.
The first 500 fans to enter Cotterell Court will receive pink leis, while the first 250 fans to enter the game will receive a commemorative pink t-shirt, in honor of the Pink Zone initiative. The Raiders will also be giving away two $50 gift certificates at the game, one for Grand Union and one for Wayne's Market.
Colgate will also be celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day on Feb. 14. The day kicks-off at 1 p.m., with free bowling and pizza for all youth at the Reid. The first 50 guests in attendance will receive a free gift bag of prizes. Athletic Center
The day will also be a part of the second annual Greek Challenge, where fraternities and sororities compete for a grand prize. The Greek house with the most fans in attendance between the women's basketball game on Feb. 14 and the men's game on Feb. 25 will win $500 for their house.
