The College of New Rochelle's Blue Angels Basketball Team wins the Season Opening Game

Game is also Setting for a Fundraiser

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Holly Cammarota Sets the Play

NEW ROCHELLE, NY (11/16/2011)(readMedia)-- The College of New Rochelle Wellness Center was the center of action for the Blue Angels Basketball Team on Tuesday, November 15, 2011. The Blue Angels defeated Cooper Union and scored 68-15 in the season opening game.

With the brilliant play of freshmen dynamic duo Tra'Leassa King and Alyssa Pechin, both from Yonkers, NY, the young CNR women's team had one of its most convincing victories in the last decade. King scored 29 points, while Pechin contributed with 15 points and 6 assists. Holly Cammarota from the Bronx also had a big night. She added 7 points and 3 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," added Coach Kern.

The key to the successful night, however, was Alyssa Pechin. As Coach Kern says of her star player, "Alyssa has no fear when she's out there. 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 night was a success in other ways as well. The College Community on the Main Campus in New Rochelle were also there in support of 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 Rajwant's medical expenses.

All and all, it was a win/win evening for the Blue Angels and The College of New Rochelle!