WALTHAM, Mass. -- The Brandeis University women's basketball team opens the 2015-2016 basketball season on Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. against Mount Holyoke College in the 17th annual Brandeis University Tip-Off Tournament, this year presented by the Park Lodge Hotel Group.
Brandeis University is pleased to host this year's Tip-Off Tournament and welcomes Lasell and Eastern Nazarene in addition to Mount Holyoke in what should be a fast-paced and exciting two-day event of top Division III women's collegiate basketball.
Coming off last year's great finish as the ECAC Division III New England tournament champions, where the Judges knocked off the tournament's top three seeds, the Judges look build on that success. Leading the returners is junior guard Paris Hodges, who averaged 8.6 points per game overall last season, but upped that average to 9.6 ppg in conference action. Also returning is junior center Maria Jackson who was third on the squad in scoring (8.4 ppg) and second in rebounding (6.2 rpg). Senior sharpshooter Niki Lascaris poured in 8.3 points per game and hit 37 3-pointers, second on the team. Junior Sydney Sodine is the team's top returning rebounder (6.9 rpg), while classmate Frankie Pinto is the top returning deep threat with 45 3-pointers. Returning for her 29th season at the helm of the Brandeis women's basketball team, Coach Carol Simon is expected to have the team in top form. Under Coach Simon, the Judges are known for their stingy defense, finishing third in the UAA in scoring defense (60.0 ppg) and second in opponent's field goal percentage (35.0%).
This is the inaugural year that Park Lodge Hotel Group is the Tip-OfF Tournament's Presenting Sponsor. Brandeis University and Park Lodge Hotel Group have had a long-standing partnership and Brandeis is very proud of its relationship with Park Lodge Hotel Group and this latest venture. Teaming up with Brandeis Athletics signifies the company's deep commitment to supporting student-athletes and the entire Brandeis community. " The Park Lodge Hotel Group is honored to support Brandeis student-athletes, all of whom exemplify dedication, excellence, and commitment, says President Robert Clement. "Each of them are wonderful role models in our community. We are proud of our partnership with Brandeis Athletics and look forward to continuing it for years to come."
"Commitment to excellence is a universal principle of both organizations which makes Park Lodge Hotel Group such a natural fit as a presenting sponsor of our annual Tip-off Tournament and a key corporate partner of Brandeis Athletics" says Lynne Dempsey, Acting Director of Athletics. "Their support and involvement plays a pivotal role in assisting us to continue to support our athletes and host high caliber athletic events."
For more information on the Brandeis University Tip-Off Tournament, please contact Sports Information Director Adam Levin at aslevin@brandeis.edu. For more information on corporate partnerships and presenting sponsorships, please contact June.Ferestien@comcast.net or dempsey@brandeis.edu.