11/20/2008
Women's Basketball Set for Worcester City Tip-Off Tournament

WORCESTER, MASS. 11/19/08 - The Clark University women's basketball season will get underway at the 27th annual Worcester City Tip-Off Tournament held at WPI's Harrington Auditorium this weekend.

The Cougars, the defending Worcester City Champions, will face off against Worcester State College on Friday (8 p.m.). WPI will take on Nichols College in the earlier game that same day at 6 p.m. The consolation and championship games are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. respectively, on Saturday.

"This tournament is always very competitive," said long-time head coach Pat Glispin. "Any of the four teams can win it and any of those teams can go 0-2. It's always a very exciting match-up. We've been fortunate to do pretty well in the tournament over the years. We'll see how it turns out this weekend."

Winners of 11 of the last 12 titles, including 18 total championships, Clark returns to the court after a disappointing 8-17 season. However, with 11 veterans back and a strong recruiting class, the Cougars hope to get back to their winning ways.

"We return a strong senior class and our first-year class is equally as talented," Glispin said. "So, the key for us this year will be how well we can accept roles and blend together as a team."

Clark welcomes back all but one starter. Top returning scorers include Sarah Roderigue (17.5 ppg) and Jillian Camilleri (11.9 ppg), while senior Sara Hagstrom (5.24 apg) returns as the team's floor general.

The list of newcomers looking to make an impact include guard Maggie Croft (East Aurora, N.Y.), forward Kate Minister (Manchester, England), who's brother Jack Minister plays for the men's team, guard Michelle Chambers (Bronx, N.Y.) and guard Ivori Aiken (Harlem, N.Y.).

Entering the tournament with two games under its belt, Worcester State was also 8-17 last season.

Leading the list of Lancer returnees is sophomore Alexis George, who averaged 10.5 points per game.

"For us, it's our season opener," Glispin said. "The other teams have played a little bit, so I dont know if that's a plus or a minus. We'll have to see how that plays out."