Blue Angels Rout Cooper Union in Season Opener

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – The Blue Angels of The College of New Rochelle opened their season Wednesday with a 68-15 victory over Cooper Union at the New Rochelle Wellness Center.

The freshmen duo of Tra’Leassa King and Alyssa Pechin, both from Yonkers, scored 29 and 16 points respectively, with Pechin also contributing six assists. Holly Cammarota (Bronx, N.Y.) added seven points and three assists.

“We had an incredible energy from the women on the court, from the bench and from the large crowd fans in the stands,” said Coach Susan Kern. “Tra-Leassa King dominated in the paint and had many blocks on the defensive end. Tempestt Harris-Bucknor was a presence as well as Holly Cammarota, who played a very tough physical game. We dominated offensive and defensive rebounds. We played as a team and each player contributed to our success.”

Kern cited Pechin’s defense as a key to the big win.

“Alyssa has no fear when she's out there,” Kern said. “She's not afraid to take a charge when a player twice her size comes at her. Her ball control allows her to weave through most players, and she has the ability to get to the basket and score or dish it off to a teammate. She's constantly hustling, chasing down loose balls, getting her hands in the passing lane. She is also an offensive threat.  She will continue to lead this team throughout the season.”

The college community was on hand to lend support to Rajwant Sandhu, a School of Arts and Science student who suffered a sudden heart attack this past summer and is now recovering. Students gathered in The Wellness Center and invited fans at the game to purchase raffle tickets, baked goods, and other items with all proceeds going towards Sandhu’s medical expenses.

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