KEENE, N.H. 11/19/11 – The combination of the old and new led the Keene State College women's basketball team to a 64-58 victory over Westfield State University in the championship game of the 16th Annual KSC Tip-Off Tournament at Spaulding Gym on  Saturday.  Freshman Courtney Roberts (Sutton, Mass.) scored a season high 20 points and senior Courtney Cirillo (Windsor Locks, Conn.) finished with 19 points, leading the KSC Owls to their 14th consecutive title.

            "We moved the ball around and everyone came up with big plays," said Cirillo, who was named the tournament's MVP.  "Last year a lot was put on my shoulders, so it's very refreshing that we have other options this year. I have so much confidence in my teammates - I know I can count on them."

            "We've won the tournament all my four years.  That's a real nice feeling, Cirillo added.

            The KSC Owls (3-0) did a nice job running the court in the early going.  Senior Meghan Farrell (Chester, Vt.), seeing her first action after an injury, found Cirillo off a break for a basket. Later in the half, senior Sara Laudano (North Haven, Conn.) pass from center court to a streaking sophomore Carly Kiernan (Topsfield, Mass.) for a lay-up put the Owls up 18-10 with 7:09 to go in the half.

            Westfield went on a 12-2 run, taking a 22-20 lead on a jumper by freshman Sinely Vegerano (Springfield, Mass.) with 1:50 to play. 

            The two teams were tied 24-all at halftime.

            Senior Niki Cote (Ashford, Conn.), one of the smallest players on the court at 5-foot, spear-headed an 11-2 KSC run coming out of the break.  The point guard knocked down a three-pointer from the top of the circle, made a steal to set up a hoop by Cirillo and took a charge at the other end of the court.  She fed Roberts for a lay-up that gave KSC a 35-26 lead at the 15:42 mark. "I was just trying to play hard and leave everything on the court," said Cote, who was named to the All-tournament team.  "I'm playing with a lot more confidence and that helped me with my game."

            Back-to back baskets by Roberts extended KSC's lead to 42-28 with 13:10 to play.    

            Westfield scored 11 unanswered points to get within two points (44-42) with 8:14 to go on a conventional three-point play by freshman Jen Ashton (Beverly, Mass.) and a three-point hoop from the corner by junior Courtney Kegresse (Adams, Mass.). 

            KSC came back behind Farrell who hit a couple of jumpers in the paint as Keene State took a 55-47 lead with 5:19 to play. A minute later, Cirillo found Roberts underneath to make it 58-47.  A second lay-up and a pair of free throws by Roberts gave KSC a 62-48 lead and its tip-off title.  "I got a couple of early fouls in the first half, so I was glad I was able to come back and help my team," said Roberts, who was also selected to the All-Tournament team.  "We really gel well together and   we work well together on the court.  It's nice to win the championship in my first year."

            Farrell also finished in double figures, scoring 10 points to go with a team high seven rebounds.  KSC shot well from the field, hitting 25 of its 48 shots (52%).  They also out-rebounded WSU 38-29.

            All-Tournament team members senior Janae Jones (Springfield, Mass.) and Ashton each finished with 14 points to lead Westfield State (1-2).  Ashton also pulled down a game high nine rebounds.  Junior Angela Paterson (Nantucket, Mass.) also had 10 points.