GA Women’s Hoops Hoping for Playoff Berth

McKeesport, Pa. – In her first season at the helm of the Penn State Greater Allegheny women's basketball team, head coach Taylor Fulton is eager to get the 2015-16 season underway.

"I am beyond excited about the season ahead, coming off the court to coach my alma mater," said the 2013 Penn State graduate. "There are some significant changes in the world of women's basketball this season that not only the players have to adjust to, the coaches will as well. I am thrilled to watch the new game format unfold," said Fulton.

The upcoming season will embark upon United States Collegiate Athletic Association competition, of which the Greater Allegheny women have not seen in some time. "I believe we have a great schedule ahead of us," extends Fulton. "The battles ahead with the USCAA games will better prepare us for Penn State University Athletic Conference play, as we look forward to make a serious playoff run this season."

For the past few seasons, the Penn State Greater Allegheny women's basketball team wrapped up their seasons right around the .500 mark. The 2012-13 team appeared in the PSUAC Championship before the 2013-14 finished up their season in the PSUAC Final Four.

"You can expect for us to compete at a high-intensity level this season, as we are hungry to make a strong case for a bid to the USCAA National Championship this year," completes Fulton.

Greater Allegheny graduated All-American forward Christina Floyd, who dominated the PSUAC the past four seasons in rebounds and points. "The team will miss her inside presence but we have a new group of girls anxious to get out on the floor."

The team returns sophomore USCAA All-American guard Mandi Johnston (Pittsburgh, Pa./Baldwin), who played in 22 games in her inaugural season with the blue-and-white, as she bucketed 322 points, 100 assists, 94 rebounds and 25 steals. The guard posted 73.6% (81-of-110) of her free-throws while adding 108 shots from the floor.

Sophomore guard Tori Johnston (Pittsburgh, Pa./Baldwin) comes back for her second season of action as the 5-5 guard posted 245 points, 72 assists and 61 assists through 22 games and 749 minutes with the Lions in her freshman year. Sophomore forward Morgan McCallister (North Huntington, Pa./Norwin) appeared in 22 games last season for GA, as she added 73 rebounds and 40 points through 247 minutes played.

Greater Allegheny looks forward to second semester when sophomore guard Teona Cash (McKeesport, Pa./Woodland Hills) and junior guard Tra-Esha Carswell (Homestead, Pa./Steel Valley) are back in action. Cash was a USCAA Player of the Week last season, as she added 90 points through ten games with 86 boards, 36 assists and 27 steals. Carswell comes back for her third season with the Lions, as the guard contributed 89 points, 100 rebounds, 17 steals and 13 assists through 21 games.

"Both the freshman and transfer students will complement the returners very well and help balance the team," said Fulton. Greater Allegheny welcomes in six new players ready to earn playing time.

Greater Allegheny has started their regular season at a 1-1 tally, earning a 77-43 Central Penn triumph. The women are set to go on the road with the men's team for a weekend USCAA trip. On Saturday, the women are set to go up against Southern Maine CC for a 5 p.m. tip-off. On Sunday, the women are set for a 7 p.m. tip time against Central Maine CC. All of the games this weekend will be available to stream live stats and video. Click here to find the women's  links!