Pitt Panthers women’s basketball team defeats Cal U in exhibition

Feb 26, 2013; Hartford, CT, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers guard Brianna Kiesel (3) drives the ball against Connecticut Huskies guard Kelly Faris (34) during the second half at the XL Center. UConn defeated the Panthers 76-36. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

In its lone exhibiton game, the Pitt Panthers women’s basketball team defeated NCAA Division II California University of Pennsylvania 97-67 on Sunday.

“I have to admit that we were a little anxious and a little nervous going into our first opportunity to be in uniform, lacing them up for the first time with a new staff and a new team,” coach Suzie McConnell-Serio said, “but as the tip went up and the flow of the game started, I feel like everyone settled down.”

“I felt like we were a little anxious to start the game leading to some mistakes, but over the course of the game I thought players stepped up and did a lot of good things. We know we have a lot to improve on as far as taking care of the basketball, decision-making, and execution.”

The Panthers were paced by redshirt freshmen Marvadene “Bubbles” Anderson who scored 20 points off the bench in 13 minutes.

“I wasn’t expecting to score 20 points, but I was expecting to be in the double digits,” Anderson said. “I had fun playing today.”

Asia Logan had 14 points and eight rebounds in the victory. Cal U was led by Kaitlynn Fratz who had 19 points off the bench in 26 minutes.

All of the 10 Panthers dressed scored and McConnell-Serio believes that this will carry on through the season.

“We will utilize our entire roster,” McConnell-Serio said. “Everyone will make contributions, some more than others. We will have a lot of different looks on the floor, different line-ups. We started the game with one line-up and then went with a different one to start the second half.

“Players are going to earn playing time. Each player will be held accountable and will be counted on. We look forward to using the depth that we hopefully have.”

Pitt had a 56-33 lead at halftime, which included a 30-8 points-in-the-paint advantage and 25 bench points. Pittsburgh ended up shooting 60.3 percent from the field.

The Panthers open their season Friday in a home contest against Bucknell. The game will tip-off at 11 a.m. as it is the annual Education Day game.