Panthers takes the sting out of Hornets

PITTSBURGH, PA - The Pittsburgh Panthers (3-0) dominated the Delaware State Hornets (0-3) by a score of 77-43.

On Friday night at the Petersen Events Center, the Panthers buzzed right past the Hornets, marking their first (3-0) season start since the 2009-2010 season.

Coming off a standout performance against Saint Francis University, forward Kalista Walters posted 18 points and 5 rebounds on the night. Small forward Brenna Wise also had a big night putting up 14 points and 9 rebounds to the Pitt win. Both freshmen Wise and Walters had big nights against the Hornets.

"We had high expectations of them coming in," Pitt head coach Suzie McConnell-Serio said in regards to the first-season players. "Six of our [players] are freshmen. We knew when we were getting them we were going to count on them."

Delaware State forward Amber Bogard posted 15 of the 43 points for the Hornets and was 5/6 at the free-throw line. Guard Mikah Aldridge contributed 6 points and two assists, but wasn't enough for the Hornets to win.

Although the Panthers almost doubled in points in comparison to the Hornets, McConnell-Serio said there are things the team needs to work on. "We have got to get better on every aspect," Pitt head coach said. "We have to shoot the ball better, carrying the basketball [better]. Our offense and defense need to improve in order to play in the ACC."

The Panthers will be traveling during Thanksgiving week to the U.S. Virgin Islands for the Paradise Jam tournament. They will be playing South Dakota State, Old Dominion and Maryland - what some say is closer to ACC level of play.

"I think going to Paradise Jam will be our first true test," said McConnell-Serio. "[Those] are three great teams that play very well in their conferences."

Pittsburgh will return to regular season play at Michigan on December 3 at 7:00 p.m.