Oct. 14, 2009
HARRISBURG, PA. - Penn State Lady Lion basketball head coach Coquese Washington addressed the nearly 900 attendees of the annual Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition (PBCC) conference in Harrisburg, Pa., today. Washington's appearance coincided with the announcement of a partnership with the PBCC as a result of the WBCA Pink Zone at Penn State fundraising efforts.
Additionally, Washington discussed the importance of the PBCC's role in the fight against breast cancer and how honored the Lady Lions are to assist in the PBCC's efforts. The Lady Lions have been involved with the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition since the inception of the Pink Zone games in 2006-07.
Washington's address was part of the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition (PBCC) Annual Conference luncheon. The luncheon also honored 2009 Pink Ribbon Awardees U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Pennsylvania Senator Vincent J. Hughes for their demonstration of outstanding leadership in breast cancer research, education, treatment and advocacy.
The 2010 WBCA Pink Zone at Penn State will take place on Sunday, Jan. 24 at 1 p.m., as the Lady Lions take on Illinois in the Bryce Jordan Center. The game can be seen on www.bigtennetwork.com. The first three Pink Zone events have raised more than $80,000 for breast cancer awareness. This year's fundraising efforts will benefit the Mount Nittany Medical Center, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition and the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund. For more information on the Pink Zone at Penn State, visit the official Pink Zone website at www.gopsusports.com/pinkzone.
The Lady Lions return 10 letterwinners, including three starters from last season's team. Headlining the list of returnees is first team All-Big Ten selection Tyra Grant (Youngstown, Ohio). Grant is the 10th player in school history to claim All-Big Ten first team honors, giving the Lady Lions a conference-best 22 first team choices since joining the league. Grant finished second in the Big Ten and 19th in the NCAA with a 19.6 scoring average, which was also good enough for sixth on Penn State's single-season list.
The Lions also welcome back Julia Trogele (Devon, Pa.) and Janessa Wolff (Park Rapids, Minn.). Trogele led the team and was 12th in the Big Ten in rebounding with a 6.3 average. She was also fourth on the team in scoring at a 7.3 per game clip. Wolff was fifth on the team in scoring (6.8) and second in rebounding (5.6). Penn State also adds the 14th-ranked recruiting class by ESPN/Hoopgurlz that includes WBCA and SLAM! Magazine All-American Nikki Greene (Diboll, Texas) and Parade Magazine All-American Alex Bentley (Indianapolis, Ind.).
Lady Lion Basketball single game tickets are available by calling the ticket office at 814-865-5555, by visiting GoPSUsports.com or through Ticketmaster. Single game tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for students and youth. Penn State also offers special group ticket rates (15 fans or more) of $8 for adults. The Lady Lions open their season with an exhibition game against Indiana (Pa.) on Sun., Nov. 8. Penn State fans that attend the Indiana football game can use their football ticket to receive buy one ticket, get one free ticket for the Lady Lions' home opener against NJIT on Sun., Nov. 15.
The Lady Lions are on Twitter. Follow head coach Coquese Washington (@psucoachquese), sports information contact Kris Petersen (@ladylionsid) and the Lady Lions and assistant coaches (@pennstatewbb) to get the inside scoop. The Lady Lions are also on Facebook. Search Lady Lion Basketball and become a fan.