GAME #3
Cleveland State vs. Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Wednesday, November 12 | 7:00 p.m. | Wolstein Center
Watch Live | Live Stats | Listen Live

SETTING THE SCENE
The Cleveland State women's basketball team will return home for two games this week, beginning with a 7:00 p.m. contest against Pittsburgh at Johnstown on Wednesday, November 12. Entering Wednesday's contest, the Vikings stand at 2-0 on the year, while the Mountain Cats have yet to play a game that counts towards their official record.
 
A WIN ON WEDNESDAY WOULD…
Keep Cleveland State undefeated on the season…Give the Vikings their first win against Pittsburgh at Johnstown…Put Cleveland State at 49-3 over the last four seasons when playing at home.
 
THE CLEVELAND STATE/PITTSBURGH AT JOHNSTOWN SERIES
Wednesday's game will mark the first meeting between the two teams.
 
SCOUTING THE MOUNTAIN CATS
Pittsburgh at Johnstown enters Wednesday's contest with an 0-0 record on the year, after playing two exhibition games against Pittsburgh and Kent State to start the season…Earlier this year, the Mountain Cats were selected to finish eighth in the PSAC Western Division Preseason Poll…Last year, Pittsburgh at Johnstown finished with a 3-24 record, including just one win in PSAC play…Pittsburgh at Johnstown will be under the direction of second year head coach D'wan Shackleford-Vickroy.
 
NEW LOOK VIKINGS
This year's edition of the Vikings features just three returners from last year's team - Colbi Maples, Macey Fegan and Sarah Hurley - while they are joined by 11 newcomers. This newcomer group includes nine transfers and two true freshmen. Despite having 11 newcomers on the roster, this group has a vast amount of collegiate experience, with all nine of the transfers having started at least one game at their previous institutions.
 
…ALL 11 MAKE VIKING DEBUTS AGAINST CHICAGO STATE
All 11 of Cleveland State's newcomers made their debuts in the season opener last week, including Izabella Zingaro, Ella Van Weelden and Jada Leonard who earned a spot in the starting lineup. Seven of the 11 newcomers have scored their first points as a Viking through the first two games.
 
HOME-SWEET-HOME
Wednesday's game against Pittsburgh at Johnstown will be the second of 17 home games for the Vikings this season. Over the last four seasons, the Vikings have combined for a 48-3 reord when playing at home, including a perfect 17-0 record during the 2023-24 campaign. Once again, the Vikings will be playing a limited number of games in Woodling Gymnasium, hosting four total games in their alternate venue this season.
 
PIQUE & ZINGARO NOTCH DOUBLE-DOUBLES
Last time out, the duo of Paula Pique and Izabella Zingaro notched double-doubles at Cal State Fullerton, marking the first of the seaon for the Vikings. Zingaro finished with a team-best 16 points along with 12 rebounds, while Pique tallied 10 points and 10 boards. For the season, Zingaro is averaging 12.0 ppg and a team-best 9.0 rbg, while Pique stands at 8.5 ppg and 7.5 rpg.
 
LEONARD WITH THE TAKEAWAY
Through the first two games of the year, Jada Leonard has combined for a team-best 12 steals, ranking fourth among Division I players averaging 6.0 steals per game. Leonard, who grabbed seven takeaways in the season opener against Chicago State, followed that up with five steals at Cal State Fullerton. Leonard's 6.0 steals per game average also sits at the top of the Horizon League standings.
 
MAPLES PICKS UP WHERE SHE LEFT OFF
Colbi Maples has picked up right where she left off, averaging 20.5 points per game through the first week of play. In the season opener against Chicago State, Maples finished with 29 points, while she followed that up with 12 points in limited minutes of action at Cal State Fullerton. The 29 points against the Cougars marks a season-high for Horizon League players so far this year.
 
CLEVELAND STATE ON THE BOARDS
Through two games played this season, Cleveland State is averaging 44.0 rebounds per game, holding a +14.0 rebound advantage on the year. Last time out, the Vikings finished with 45 boards at Cal State Fullerton, including 14 offensive rebounds. The Vikings held a 45-25 edge in rebounds, including a 31-14 advantage in defensive boards.
 
…DOUBLE-DIGIT REBOUNDING PERFORMANCES
So far this season at least one Viking has finished with double-digit rebounds in each game, with Macey Fegan, Paula Pique and Izabella Zingaro all notching 10+ rebound performances. Cleveland State is the only team in the Horizon League to have three different players record double-digit rebounding efforts, with all three ranking in the top-10 in the league in rebounding.
 
THE NON-LEAGUE SLATE
Cleveland State will be continuing an 11-game non-league slate, which features seven games at home and just four games on the road. The Vikings will face two new opponents during non-league play in Northwestern and Pittsburgh-Johnstown, while Cleveland State will be making a trip to California and returning to Puerto Rico during the first part of the 2025-26 season.
 
CLEVELAND STATE SELECTED FOURTH IN #HLWBB PRESEASON POLL
Last month, Cleveland State was selected to finish fourth in the #HLWBB Preseason Poll, picking up 87 points and one first place vote. This marks the fourth straight year that the Vikings have been picked to finish in the top-four of the Horizon League.
 
MAPLES NAMED #HLWBB PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR
In addition to the preseason poll, the Horizon League also announced their preseason all-league teams, with Colbi Maples earning Preseason Player of the Year honors. Maples, who also earned the honor prior to last season, became just the second Viking all-time to earn the recognition more than once. Maples also earned a spot on the Preseason All-League First Team.
 
HEAD COACH CHRIS KIELSMEIER
The Vikings will be under the direction of eighth-year head coach Chris Kielsmeier, who owns a career head coaching record of 570-186. At Cleveland State, Kielsmeier owns a record of 154-70, with his 150th victory as a Viking coming in a 92-61 decision over Detroit Mercy last season. Under his guidance, Cleveland State has posted five 20-win seasons, including a program-record 30 wins during the 2023-24 campaign.
 
A LOOK BACK AT 2024-25
Cleveland State combined for a 27-10 record last season, marking the program's fourth straight 20-win campaign and fifth total under Chris Kielsmeier. The Vikings advanced to their sixth straight #HLWBB Semifinal appearance last year, while Cleveland State made its fifth straight postseason trip. The Vikings earned a spot in the WNIT field, and advanced to the Fab 4, marking the third postseason semifinal appearance in program history.
 
CLEVELAND STATE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL RADIO SHOW RETURNS
Fans can stay up-to-date with all things Viking Basketball throughout the 2025-26 season by tuning in to the Cleveland State Women's Basketball Radio Show. The weekly show will air on Monday nights beginning at 6:00 p.m. on 99.1 FM and will feature a variety of coaches, student-athletes and members of the CSU community.
 
UP NEXT
Cleveland State will close out the week on Sunday, November 16, hosting Akron at 2:00 p.m.