Monday, December 17, 2012

Sina King Named MAC Player of the Week!



Akron forward Sina King has been named the Mid-American Conference East Division Player of the Week, the league office announced Monday.
This is the second time in her career King has earned this distinction, and she is the third Zip this season to receive the weekly award. 
King continued to prove her case for the most consistent player in the MAC in non-conference play last weekend in Akron's decisive 67-54 win over Cincinnati, its second victory over a Big East team this year.
The junior exploded for a new career-high 25 points – 11 more than her season average – and led both teams with 11 rebounds for her sixth double-double of the year. Against the Bearcats, King shot .529 from the field, including 2-of-4 from 3-point land, and added a perfect 5-for-5 performance from the charity stripe. 
King has scored in double figures in nine out of UA's first 10 games, and as the MAC's leading rebounder she is fluctuating between averaging a double-double, currently with 14.3 points and 9.9 rebounds

Kacie Tours the Zips Lounge and Weightroom



In this week's video Kacie give you a look at our awesome team lounge! See where the players hangout during the day!

Hanna Luburgh Tours the Coaches' Offices



Take a look at our Coaches' Offices. Hanna takes you on a tour of each office in this video!

Coach Kest Becomes Akron's All-Time Winningest Coach!!!

With the win our Canisius on December 1st, Coach Kest became Akron's All-Time Winningest Coach! Congrats to Coach Kest on this great honor! 



Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Zips Enjoy NYC and Pick Up 2 Big Road Wins!!

We just got back from a great road trip out east. Our team had two big wins over Big East team, Providence and St. Peter's.

During our trip we also made some time for sight seeing in NYC. The girls got to experience a little of what city living is like. Last Sunday after practice we toured NYC. We had a chance to view Ground Zero as well as the new World Trade Center, which is being built. See the pic below


We also made a stop at Rockefeller Center and saw the famous ice skating rink and Christmas Tree.


After some picture taking we took the team to a famous Irish Pub in downtown NYC. The restaurant was near Time Square and Broadway!


Overall it was a great trip for our team and coaches. We got 2 wins and the girls were able to experience some amazing sights. On our last day in Jersey City, NJ some of the team even went to the famous Carlo's Bakery (Home of the show "Cake Boss") 

Hanna Luburgh Receives MAC East Player of the Week!




University of Akron guard Hanna Luburgh has been named the Mid-American Conference East Division Player of the Week.


This is the second consecutive week an Akron player has received the honor from the MAC, as Rachel Tecca earned the distinction last week.
Luburgh continued to be UA's offensive catalyst in its come-from-behind road victory over the Big East's Providence on Saturday. She nearly had her second straight career-high scoring night, leading both teams with 28 points on 9-of-17 shooting.
The junior scored 10 of her points in the midst of a 20-6 Akron run late in the first half, helping the Zips erase a 14-point deficit to tie the game at halftime. Luburgh single-handedly drained half of Akron's 10 3-pointers, and went 5-for-6 from the free throw line. She was also the team's second leading rebounder with seven
In Akron's last two games, Luburgh has averaged 29.0 points and eight rebounds.

Rachel Tecca Receives MAC East Player of the Week!!!



Zips forward Rachel Tecca has been named the Mid-American Conference East Division Player of the Week
This is the third time in her career Tecca has received the MAC's weekly award.
Tecca posted a pair of double-doubles in two wins over Tennessee Tech and Bryant. On the road at TTU, she scored the 1,000th point of her career with a free throw at the 13:27 mark in the first half.
In all three of Akron's games last week, Tecca shot a combined 24-of-38 (.632) from the field, averaging 22.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. Nearly half of her 28 rebounds (13) were on the offensive glass. Tecca also led the team with five blocks and added six steals.
Tecca currently ranks second in the conference overall in scoring (20.0 ppg) and field goal percentage (.622), but does not appear in the top-10 in minutes played, meaning that she is posting these numbers in less time on the court than other top players across the league.

Zips Welcome 4 New Additions!!!


"I am very excited to announce our 2013 class," said Kest. "This special group of talented players have been committed to us since last April, so it is a great day to finally be able to officially call them Zips." 

Gary, a 6-1 forward, has built a strong career at the high school and AAU levels over the past three years. Last year as a junior, Gary averaged 11.7 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, in addition to 2.2 blocks. She received Honorable Mention All-State accolades from Hoosier Basketball Magazine, and was a 2012 IBCA All-State and All-Northeast Indiana First Team selection. Gary has also led her AAU team to the state championship title for the past three consecutive years. 
"Keanna ('Key') is a very good athlete who will give us more depth in the post," Kest said. "She can play both the four and five spots on the floor. She is a very good rebounder and has good footwork defensively. Key also runs the floor well, which we really liked for our up-tempo style of play." 
Plybon, a 5-9 guard out of nearby Orrville High School, comes to Akron as an ESPN 86 Grade, three-star recruit, the 107th best guard in the nation. In 2011-12, she averaged 20.2 points, 9.7 rebounds and three assists per game. Plybon has received all-state recognition for the last three years, including being named to the All-Ohio First Team as a sophomore and junior. The two-time Northeast Inland District Player of the Year currently ranks second in school history with 1,380 career points and one season left to play. 
"It is always great to add another local player to our roster, and Hannah is a very special player," said Kest. "She is a great scorer who has the ability to run the point and play the two guard. Hannah has a very good understanding of the game and possesses great toughness. She is a gym rat and a winner." 
Ricketts, a 5-11 shooting guard, has been named Offensive Player of the Year for the past two seasons after posting averages of 13.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.5 steals per game. She is a three-time First Team All-Region honoree and earned the title of 2011 Miss Basketball Player of the Year. 
"Alex is another great scorer at the guard position," noted Kest. "She is an excellent 3-point shooter who can also attack the basket or pull up. Alex will thrive in our system because of her ability to shoot the ball. She is also a very hard working player who is constantly working to improve her game." 
Scipio, a 5-4 point guard from the Columbus area, was named one of the Top-10 players in District 10, in addition to earning Special Mention All-Ohio recognition and a spot on the All-OCC Capital Division First Team. Scipio averaged 14.1 points, 5.7 assists and 4.2 steals per game her junior season. 
"Hannah is a feisty and extremely competitive point guard," Kest said. "She is a true point, in that she is a great floor general who knows what it takes to win. Hannah has very good speed and handles. She also possesses great leadership skills which are essential for any great point guard." 
Together, the four commitments make up the Zips' early signing class for next season. 

Rachel Tecca Reaches 1,000 Points!!!


Rachel Tecca surpassed 1,000 career points in a win versue Tennessee Tech on Nov. 13th. 


Tecca led five Zips in double-figure scoring with 26 points, 18 of which came in the first half. Her second of two free throws at the 13:27 mark was good for the forward's 1,000thpoint of her career.  Congrats to Rachel on this great honor! 

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Anita & Jasmine Tour the Student Union



This week freshmen Anita Brown and Jasmine Wood give us a tour of the student union! Take a look and see what great amentiies are offered to our students.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Zips Picked 3rd In MAC East. Receive 1 1st Place Vote!!




For the second consecutive season, the University of Akron women's basketball team was picked to finish third in the Mid-American Conference East Division, and forward Rachel Tecca was recognized as a Preseason All-MAC selection in the league's coaches' poll that was released Wednesday morning.
Division favorites Miami (Ohio) and Bowling Green were selected ahead of Akron in the East, while Toledo and Central Michigan were picked to top the West – four teams that saw postseason action last year.
Tecca collects the preseason all-conference honor despite missing the majority of last season after utilizing her medical redshirt. The forward put together one of the most successful seasons in UA women's basketball history as a sophomore two years ago, and was averaging 17.0 points and 7.6 rebounds per game before her season was cut short 10 games into last year.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

The Akron Zips Answer Questions About Halloween!!!!



Happy Halloween from the Zips! Watch this video to see what some of our players favorites are! 

Rachel Tecca Selected to WNBA Mock Draft


 Akron forward and All Mid-American Conference candidate Rachel Tecca was projected to be selected 27th overall in the 2013 WNBA Mock Draft recently released by DraftSite.com.
Tecca was anticipated to be taken with the third pick in the third round by the Tulsa Shock. She was just one of two MAC players to be included in the mock draft, along with Miami (Ohio) guard Courtney Osborn who was selected right before Tecca with the 26th overall pick.

The preseason nod from DraftSite.com places Tecca in the same pool as some of the big names in women's basketball, including Baylor's Brittney Griner and Delaware's Elena Delle Donne. In addition to Tecca, the Shock was predicted to take Delle Donne as well as Brittany Chambers out of Kansas State.   

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Exchange Dorms Tour with Megan and Dee



Last week we saw where a few of our upperclassmen live. This week, two of our freshmen, Megan and Dee, show us where their class calls home! At Exchange Dorms, Megan and Dee share a complex with two other teammates. They each get their own room, they share 2 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, living room, and washer and dryer! It doesn't get much better than that! Enjoy!

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

22 Exchange Street Apartment Tour: Sina King



This week junior, Sina King, shows us her home away from home at the gorgeous 22 Exchange Apartments. As upperclassmen our players can choose to live off campus. 22 Exchange is a great option and the players seem to really enjoy their experience there!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Lockeroom Tour with Carly Young and Katie Bubna



Carly and Bubna take us inside our lockeroom! Check out the video to see where the players spend time before practice!

21 Questions with Megan Barilla


1. Nickname?
        None

2. How did you choose your number? 
       #22 was taken

3. What has impressed you the most about Coach Kest and her staff? 
       They all put a lot of time into their jobs 

4. Funniest Teammate? 
       Katie Bubna 

5. What is your favorite shot on the court? 
       Three pointer from the top

6. What motto do you try to live by? 
       YOLO- you only live once 

7. Who is your role model and why? 
       My Dad- he is very hardworking, persistent, and successful in what he does 

8. Who is your favorite professional athlete? 
        Rondo

9. What is your dream job? 
       A rapper 

10. Tell me about your position coach? 
       Coach Ayla- She is very funny and awesome. She is also supportive and cool :)

11. Hometown? What is something unique about it/your favorite thing to do there?
        Fairview Park- East Coast Custard has the best ice cream 

12. What's on your iPod? 
         Mostly rap and some country

13. Who got you you in to playing basketball? 
          My Dad and brothers 

14. Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions? 
        No

15. If I had to take a road trip I would go? 
        Charleston, South Carolina to visit my sister 

16. My favorite Halloween costume? 
        Superwoman

17. The reality TV show I would most like to be on? 
        Jersey Shore 

18. The best thing about being a Zip? 
        Campus is nice and has a lot of food places near by

19. Favorite place on campus? 
        My bedroom

20. Favorite restaurant? 
        Chipotle 

21. Favorite class? 
        Math 

Monday, September 24, 2012

Taylor Ruper Tours the JAR!!!



Check out the video of senior guard Taylor Ruper! Taylor shows off her shooting skills and takes us inside the James A. Rhodes Arena (aka JAR). Enjoy!

Monday, September 17, 2012

Rachel Tecca Talks Akron Football!!!



In this video Rachel takes us inside Infocision Stadium. She talks about what it is like on game day and all the fun we have as a team! 

Monday, September 10, 2012

21 Questions with DiAndra Gibson


1. Nickname?
        Dee 

2. How did you choose your number? 
       When I was in the 3rd grade I started travel ball and looked up to Lebron

3. What has impressed you the most about Coach Kest and her staff? 
       She is very passionate about the game. The staff is very supportive. 

4. Funniest Teammate? 
       Megan Barilla 

5. What is your favorite shot on the court? 
       Elbow jumper 

6. What motto do you try to live by? 
       Keep calm, carry on 

7. Who is your role model and why? 
       Taylor Ruper, because she has worked really hard on her game 

8. Who is your favorite professional athlete? 
        Rondo- Boston Celtics 

9. What is your dream job? 
       To become a detective or csi agent 

10. Tell me about your position coach? 
       Coach Jackson- She is amazing :) She is very supportive and helpful on and off the court 

11. Hometown? What is something unique about it/your favorite thing to do there?
        Ravenna, OH  So many nice people and I love to hang out with my friends there 

12. What's on your iPod? 
         A lot of hip hop/rap 

13. Who got you in to playing basketball? 
        My Dad and older brother 

14. Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions? 
        I pray during the national anthem 

15. If I had to take a road trip I would go? 
        To California 

16. My favorite Halloween costume? 
        A dead zombie 

17. The reality TV show I would most like to be on? 
        The Real World 

18. The best thing about being a Zip? 
        The wonderful campus and Auntie Annes in the student union 

19. Favorite place on campus? 
        Zip Lounge 

20. Favorite restaurant? 
        Chipotle 

21. Favorite class? 
        Psychology 




Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Women's Basketball Schedule Announced




University of Akron head women's basketball coach Jodi Kest announced the program's 2012-13 schedule, which features contests with nine different opponents that played in postseason tournaments last year.
"I am really happy with the non-conference schedule we put together," Kest said. "Our goal is always to prepare the team for Mid-American Conference play, and I think we have done just that. I feel that with our solid mix of returners and newcomers, we will be in a position to be successful this season."

Akron's non-conference portion of its schedule includes games with top teams from the Big East in WNIT qualifier Cincinnati, Atlantic-10 conference champion and NCAA tournament team Dayton, and George Mason out of the Colonial League.
"I am very excited about the kind of season the MAC is going to have this year," said Kest. "There will be some changes with a lot of new coaches on the sidelines, and teams will have to come ready to play every night. The conference is stronger, but I like our squad and our team chemistry is very good. I have confidence that our early games will properly prepare us for competition in the MAC."
2012-13 University of Akron Women's Basketball Schedule

Sat., Nov. 3 – Malone (Exhibition)
Sat., Nov. 10 – Hiram
Tues., Nov. 13 – at Tennessee Tech
Fri., Nov. 16 – Bryant
Sun., Nov. 18 – at St. Francis
Sat., Nov. 24 – at Providence
Mon., Nov. 26 – at St. Peter's
Sat., Dec. 1 – Canisius
Wed., Dec. 5 – at George Mason
Sat., Dec. 8 – Wright State
Sat., Dec. 15 – Cincinnati
Tues., Dec. 18 – Dayton
Thurs., Dec. 20 – at Youngstown State
Thurs., Jan. 3 – at Chicago State
Thurs., Jan. 10 – at Ohio*
Sun., Jan. 13 – Kent State*
Wed., Jan. 16 – at Northern Illinois*
Sat., Jan. 19 – at Western Michigan*
Wed., Jan. 23 – Toledo*
Sat., Jan. 26 – at Central Michigan*
Thurs., Jan. 31 – Bowling Green*
Sat., Feb. 2 – Buffalo*
Wed., Feb. 6 – Eastern Michigan*
Sat., Feb. 9 – at Miami*
Sat., Feb. 16 – Ball State*
Wed., Feb. 20 – at Bowling Green*
Sat., Feb. 23 – at Kent State*
Thurs., Feb. 28 – Ohio*
Sun., March 3 – Miami*
Wed., March 6 – at Buffalo*
March 9-16 – Mid-American Conference Tournament

Costa Rica Recap



We had an amazing time in Costa Rica. It was an unbelievable experience for our team and staff. We were able to play two games and learn a lot about our team. Spending 9 days with this group was an enjoyable experience. The team really bonded and grew during that time. The excursions we were able to do will be lasting memories for our entire group. We are thankful for all those involved in allowing this trip to happen. We could not ask for a better experience!


Below is a link to our website which has a full recap of the trip. Take a look at all the pics and video blogs throughout our time in Costa Rica. 



Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Women's Basketball Continues Practice For Costa Rica!


On August 12th, we will head south to Costa Rica for a foreign tour. Last Thursday we hit the court in preparation for the trip. The NCAA allows us to practice 10 days prior to our trip. It really has been great to be back on the court with our team. The returners haven't missed a beat and the newcomers are learning everyday. It really is a fun and talented group to work with. Take a look at some pics from practice the last few days. Also, make sure you check our website for up to date coverage from Costa Rica. We will be blogging, tweeting, and posting video from the trip!



Thursday, August 2, 2012

Women's Basketball Active In The Community!!!


Our new graduate assistant, Preston Reid, gives us a look at what our girls have been doing in the community this summer! 

            Working the “Bike Kitchen” in support of the Lebron James Family Foundation was an absolute joy as well as an adventure for our student-athletes.  The team learned how to repair flat tires, assemble and re-assemble brakes, as well as many other tune up fixes.  The girls really enjoyed being able to fix up the bicycles in support of the foundation knowing that the bicycles they were fixing up were going to be given to less fortunate school children.  The group that is in charge of the “Bike Kitchen” were great hosts as they took the time to teach the student-athletes how to make the repairs on the bikes.  There were also other support members that came in with the “Bike Kitchen” group and took pictures of the girls working on the bikes as well as noting how well they were doing! 


            Last week, three of our student athletes went out to speak to the girls at the “Haven of Rest Sports Camp”.  Our girls talked about character traits, good attitude, the importance of a good work ethic, maintaining good grades, what a typical day is like for them, and how they have gotten to where they are today.  The campers really enjoyed asking the girls questions and being able to watch the girls shoot around.  Taylor Ruper made an NBA range three pointer that sent the camp into a celebratory cheer!  In the end the campers were happy to hear from and see our girls and our girls were happy to have had the opportunity to talk to the “Haven of Rest Sports Camp” for our fourth year in a row!     


Jackson Promoted to Associated Head Coach


Jackson has been an integral component of Kest's staff for the past four seasons, serving as the team's recruiting coordinator and offensive coordinator. She has also led the development of some of the best guards in program history.



"I am very happy to announce Melissa as our associate head coach," Kest said. "She has worked very hard over the last four years to help build our program into a Mid-American Conference contender. Melissa's relentless recruiting efforts and coaching capabilities make her very deserving of this promotion."
Akron produced one of the most prolific offenses in the country last season by averaging 73.8 points per game, the 18th-highest mark in the nation. Additionally, UA's field goal percentage (42.2), 3-point field goals per game (7.0), 3-point field goal percentage (34.4), and assists per game (15.3) all ranked in the top 35 nationally in 2011-12. The squad's scoring average was the best in program history.
Individually, Jackson was crucial in the development of Kara Murphy, the program's all-time leading scorer, and continues to mentor senior Taylor Ruper, who holds the program's career 3-pointers record.
"I am truly honored and thankful that coach Kest has the belief in me to promote me to associate head coach," Jackson said. "It is a privilege to work with coach Kest and the wonderful young women in our program. I am looking forward to the start of another year and our continued success."

Monday, June 25, 2012

Women's Basketball Welcomes New Assistant Coach!!!



The University of Akron head women's basketball coach Jodi Kest announced the addition of Glenn Box to the Zips' coaching staff.

Box brings multiple seasons of junior college head coaching experience and several years of Division I assistant coaching experience to the Akron bench. He will primarily work with the program's post players and serve as the team's defensive coordinator. Box will also oversee junior college recruiting, scheduling, and be the liaison for strength and conditioning.

"We are excited to have Glenn join the Akron women's basketball family," Kest said. "His head coaching experience at the junior college level, assistant coaching experience at the Division I level, and familiarity with the Mid-American Conference will be assets for our program. Glenn is a coach with lots of passion, energy and drive. I am certain our student-athletes will enjoy working with Glenn immensely."

Thursday, April 26, 2012

WBB welcomes 3 new additions!!!

Two guards and a center have signed National Letters of Intent and will join The University of Akron women's basketball team this fall, head coach Jodi Kest announced Thursday.


Northeast Ohio high school products Anita Brown and Megan Barilla, and Akron native Cari Guyton are set to become the newest members of the UA program.

"These three young ladies will be excellent additions to our basketball team," Kest remarked. "They will contribute to our team tremendously as we continue to build a championship program."

Brown (Warren, Ohio/Warren Harding), a 5-9 guard, averaged 27 points and 13 rebounds per game last season on her way to an OHSAA Division I Third-Team All-Ohio selection. She is the only player in Harding history to score over 1,000 points and grab over 1,000 rebounds. Brown also holds the school record for points in a game (45). In addition to her all-state honors, Brown was named first-team all-district and was the Most Valuable Player of the North-South All-Star Game.

"Anita is a great addition to our program," Kest said. "She has the ability to put up big numbers on the offensive end, but is also a good defender. She will bring added athleticism and a competitive spirit to our team."

Barilla (Fairview Park, Ohio/Magnificat) was a four-year varsity letter winner and a three-time captain at Magnificat High School. A 5-10 guard, Barilla averaged 10.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 3.7 steals as a senior and led the Blue Streaks to a 70-23 record during her four seasons. She was also named to the Adidas Hoosier Hardwood Championship All-Tournament Team.

Megan is a winner both on and off the court," Kest said. "She comes from a great high school program in Magnificat, which is rich in girl's basketball tradition. Megan will provide us with depth at the guard position."

Guyton (Akron, Ohio/Pratt JC (Kan.)) will be returning home after playing the last two seasons at Pratt Junior College in Kansas. The 6-2 center averaged 12 points and 8.6 boards per game last season and led the Jayhawk Conference in rebounding. Guyton also ranked second in the conference in field goal percentage at 54-percent. Guyton prepped at Firestone High School and led the Falcons to a 20-2 record in her senior year.

"Cari is a true center. She has great hands and the ability to finish around the basket," Kest commented "She is a big body who takes up a lot of space in the paint, and she rebounds the basketball very well. We are excited to welcome Cari back home to Akron."

                        Cari Guyton
                    Anita Brown

                Megan Barilla

WBB End of the Year Banquet

We had another great end of the year banquet. The banquet is always a special time to honor our players and support staff. We are pleased to annouce the award winners!

MVP- Sina King

Most Improved- Carly Young

Coaches Award- Kacie Cassell

Academic Award- Rachel Tecca

Community Service Award- Hanna Luburgh

It was also a great night as we honored Coach Kest for her 300th win which took place this past year. And Taylor Ruper for breaking the school record for most made 3pointers!

                                         Coach Kest with Sophmore MVP Sina King


Akron Womens Basketball JOCK JAMS!!!



Check out our third place finish in this years Jock Jams!

Two Zips Earn All MAC Academic Team!!!

We are very pleased to annouce that Junior Taylor Ruper and sophomore Sina King were both named Academic All-MAC for the first time in their careers. It is the first time in program history that two Zips have garnered the honor in the same season.

The Academic All-MAC honor is for student-athletes who have excelled in athletics and academics. To qualify, a student-athlete must have at least a 3.20 cumulative GPA and have participated in at least 50 percent of the contests for that particular sport. First-year students and junior college transfers in their first year of residence are not eligible for the award.

Ruper has a 3.77 grade point average in her corporate financial management program and had one of the best 3-point shooting seasons in Akron and MAC history in 2011-12. The junior from North Royalton, Ohio knocked down 89 3-pointers, which is the second highest total in UA history and the fourth best mark in MAC history. Ruper averaged 10.2 points per game and was the only Zip to start in all 32 contests. She shot an impressive 89-of-232 (.384) from three – good enough for 21st in the nation. Her 2.8 3-pointers per game ranked 15th nationally. Ruper was named Honorable Mention All-MAC, MAC East Player of the Week on Nov. 28, and MAC Female Scholar-Athlete of the Week on March 8.

King holds a grade point average of 3.73 and is working towards a degree in speech – language pathology & audiology. King appeared in 30 games this season, with 24 starts. She averaged 12.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, recording a team-high five double-doubles. In conference games, King averaged 13.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per contest. She shot on impressive 47.8-percent from the field and recorded career-highs of 22 points (at Toledo, Feb. 1) and 16 rebounds (at Ohio, Jan. 14). King accomplished all of this despite playing out of position at center this season after Rachel Tecca was lost for the year with an injury. The sophomore was named Second-Team All-MAC and was the MAC East Player of the Week on Feb. 6.



Thursday, March 8, 2012

Taylor Ruper Breaks 3pt Record and Earns Scholar Athlete of the Week!

University of Akron junior guard Taylor Ruper has been named Mid-American Conference Female Scholar Athlete of the Week, the league office announced on Thursday.


Ruper wins the award after becoming Akron's career leader in 3-pointers made in Saturday's 96-82 MAC Tournament first round win over Buffalo at Rhodes Arena. Ruper made 6-of-8 threes in the game, giving her 184 treys in her career and breaking the previous record of 183 held by Michelle Chavanne (1993-97). Ruper sets the mark in just her 88th career game, while Chavanne's mark took 101 games. In all, Ruper scored 20 points in the tournament win. In the regular season finale last Tuesday (Feb. 28) – also against Buffalo – the sharpshooter poured in 17 points to lead Akron to a 78-69 senior night victory. Ruper averaged 18.5 points in her two games last week and was 10-of-19 (.526) on 3-pointers.

Ruper is an excellent student who holds a 3.76 grade point average in her finance program.

All-MAC Honors for Sina King and Taylor Ruper

University of Akron sophomore forward Sina King has been named Second Team All-Mid-American Conference, has announced by the league office on Tuesday.
Also honored Tuesday was junior guard Taylor Ruper, who was named Honorable Mention All-MAC.

King leads Akron in both scoring and rebounding this season, averaging 12.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per contest. In conference games, those numbers rise to 13.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per match. King has shot an impressive 48.7-percent from the field this season, ranking her fifth in the conference in the statistic. In addition to her strong overall shooting percentage, King is also a threat from the outside and is making 34.6-percent (18-of-52) of her 3-point shots this year. The Waterford, Ohio native has tallied five double-doubles on the year, with four of those performances coming in conference play.


"I'm really happy for Sina, she is well deserving of this award," sixth-year Akron coach Jodi Kest said. "Sina has had to play two different positions this season and she really stepped up for us after Rachel Tecca was injured in December. Sina has put in a tremendous amount of work to improve her outside shot and her overall strength and I am extremely pleased her hard work is paying off."


Ruper earns an honorable mention nod for having one of the best 3-point shooting seasons in MAC history. Ruper is averaging 10.5 points per game this season and is shooting 38.9-percent (89-of-229) from behind the arc. Ruper became Akron's career leader in 3-pointers made in Saturday's MAC Tournament first round win over Buffalo. Ruper has made 184 3-pointers in her 88 game career, topping the previous mark of 183 set by Michelle Chavanne from 1993-97. Ruper ranks 13th in the country in 3-pointers made per game (2.9) this season and 24th nationally in 3-point shooting percentage.


"Taylor is not only one of the best shooters in the conference, but one of the best in the country," Kest said. "This honor is a testament to her scoring ability."

Coach Kest Earns 300th Win



A scorching hot offensive performance in the first half boosted The University of Akron women's basketball team to a 96-82 win over Buffalo in the first round of the Mid-American Conference Tournament on Saturday at Rhodes Arena.

Kest improves her career coaching record to 300-262 (.534) with the win and is now six wins shy of becoming Akron's all-time wins leader.



Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Keeping Up with Akron Women's Basketball: Episode 4



Take a look at the newest episode of Keeping Up with Akron Women's Basketball! In this segment Hanna and Carly talk about the pink uniforms, our wins over Ohio, Central and Western, and our ball girls clinic.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Taylor Ruper: Athlete of the Week



Check out Taylor's Video! #20 talks about her pre-game rituals and how she not only challenged but beat Lebron James in a 3pt shooting contest!

Monday, February 20, 2012

Alumni Weekend!!!

Former Akron women's basketball student-athletes made their way back to campus this past Friday and Saturday to participate in the annual Alumnae Weekend.

The weekend was highlighted by the always competitive alumnae game, an 81-67 Akron win over Western Michigan, and former great Cheryl Bowles's induction into the UA Sports Hall of Fame.
The ever competitive Alumni Game was a treat. After leading 34-29 at half time, the blue team (aka "the oldies") held on to take a 62-58 win.

We were so glad that our alumni got to reconnect and cheer the Zips on to victory!

Zips Wear Pink!

The University of Akron women's basketball team wore pink jerseys against Western Michigan in their Play 4Kay game.



Play 4Kay - formerly referred to as "Pink Zone" - is a global, unified effort for a nation of coaches to assist in raising breast cancer awareness on the court, across campuses, in communities and beyond. The Kay Yow Cancer Fund, in partnership with the WBCA and The V Foundation, is the official Play 4Kay charity. A total of $650,000 was raised in 2011. This year's goal is to reach the $1M milestone.


"It's an honor for our team to have the chance to raise awareness for such a great cause," UA coach Jodi Kest said. "I encourage our fans to come out on Saturday and join us in the fight against cancer."

Sina King earns MAC East Player of the Week

Sophomore forward Sina King has been named Mid-American Conference East Division Player of the Week. King becomes the third Zip to earn the weekly honor this season. Juniors Taylor Ruper and Rachel Tecca garnered the award in back-to-back weeks (Nov. 28, Dec. 5) earlier in the season.


King, returning to action after missing two games with an injury, led Akron in a pair of games last week as the Zip (10-14, 4-6 MAC) lost on the road to defending WNIT Champion Toledo on Wednesday and defeated Central Michigan at Rhodes Arena on Saturday. The sophomore forward posted averages of 20.5 points and 9.0 rebounds for the week.



Playing in her first game in over a week, King scored a career-high 22 points on 10-of-13 shooting and pulled down seven rebounds in Akron's 71-60 loss at Toledo. She then scored a game-high 19 points and hauled in 11 boards – her fourth double-double of the season and third in her last four games – to lead Akron to a 97-87 win over Central Michigan. For the week, King was an excellent 17-of-26 (.654) from the field and 2-of-5 (.400) on 3-pointers.
In MAC play this season, King is averaging 16.3 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. In her last four games, those numbers jump to 18.0 points and 11.0 rebounds per contest.