Forward Jessica Berry, Rome, N.Y., became the eighth player in the program's history to reach 1,000 career points during the Pioneers' fourth game of the 2009-2010 season against Hamilton College on Nov. 30.
Since then, Berry, who sports jersey number 33, has reached a total of 1,507 points, placing her in third place for individual career-high scoring since 1980. She trails the No. 1 spot by only 262 points.
Berry's teammate, guard Devon Croll, Vernon, N.Y., became the ninth player to join the 1,000 point club during their game against Hartwick College on Feb. 16.
Four games later, Croll, jersey number 11, is now up to 1,048 points and has taken sixth place in individual career-high scoring.
According to Utica College's sports information director, Gill Burgmaster, both players are moving up on the record sheets in areas other than shooting, too.
"Jess has a great shot at becoming the College's all-time leading scorer," Burgmaster said. "And she is on pace to become just the second player in program history to score 1,000 points and grab 1,000 rebounds. Devon is on pace to become the programs all-time leader in assists and steals."
But, breaking records is not all these two players do. Berry, who is pursuing a degree in criminal justice, and psychology major, Croll, have also earned many awards for their hard work.
This seaon, Berry was named the Empire 8 Conference Player of the Year and she received Conference Player of the Week five times. She was named the ECAC Division III Upstate Co-Player of the Week and was selected as a member of the Empire 8 All-Conference First-Team for the third consecutive year.
In 2009, Berry was named to the ECAC Division III Upstate New York All-Star Team for the second straight season and she became the second player in Utica College history to be named to the D3hoops.com National Team of the Week. She was named Rookie of the Year for both ECAC Upstate and the Empire 8 Conference in 2008.
Croll joined Berry as a member of the Empire 8 All-Conference First-Team this season.
In 2009, Croll was named to the Empire 8 All-Conference Second Team for the second consecutive season and she was named Utica College Female Athlete of the Week. During her freshman season, Croll was named the Empire 8 Rookie of the Week twice.
Utica College's women's basketball head coach, Michele Davis, says that Berry and Croll are very valuable to the team, but that both players know it's a team effort that has driven their success.
"They're both exceptional players and students...Jess, right now, is averaging almost 22 points a game and I believe Devon's averaging 13 to 15 points a game. And we need them to score to be successful," Davis said. "Anytime we get those individual awards, whether it's a player of the week or player of the year or we score a thousand, they both realize the team has helped them reach that potential. Even the other day, Devon left her 1,000 point balloons and flowers up in the locker room because it was a team award...that's a great team player."
Berry echoed her coach's response on teamwork when asked if she felt any pressure being the team's lead scorer.
"Not really," Berry said. "We don't need to rely on just one player. We have four other people on the court who are just as capable. I've been so successful because of those 14 other players that we have. Ya know, we come in each day, practice and work hard. They make me better."
Croll followed suit and credited her team as she recounted the moment when she made the shot that put her on the record boards.
"Well, I really didn't know, but I guess everybody else knew. So, after I made the shot, I just turned around and I didn't know what was going on," Croll said. "But, I felt good. I mean it's not just me, it's the players, like my team. They pass me the ball, we work together, so it's a great accomplishment overall,"
Now that their regular season is over and they've grabbed the Empire 8 Championship title with a 21-6 record overall, the Pioneers will play in the NCAA Division III Championship next weekend.
Burgmaster believes that Berry and Croll's accomplishments will help to put some pressure on their opponents in upcoming games.
"The competition comes to Utica knowing they are going to have to play against two of the best players in the conference. That's a very intimidating feeling," Burgmaster said. "Jess and Devon have helped lift the program to new heights and hopefully their success on the court will translate into a deep run in post season play."
As for next season, Coach Davis says that both players have the potential to challenge Lyke's 1, 769 points for the No. 1 spot. Davis even says that Lyke is eager for them to do so.
"Ya know, the funny thing is, Sharon is very supportive of our program. She comes to a lot of our games," Davis said. "She'll shoot me a text before every game, 'Wish the girls good luck.' She wants it done. She's like, 'I'm waiting for it. I'm excited for next year when they break my record."
SUBMITTED BY: Miranda McKee
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