Valparaiso University head women’s basketball coach Keith Freeman has announced that two junior college players have signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Crusaders beginning in the fall of 2008.  Joining the Valpo program are Lauren Kenney and Sylwia Zabielewicz.

            Kenney is a 6’0” forward from Mooresville, Ind. who plays at Lincoln Trail College in Robinson, Ill.  A sophomore this season, she will have two years of eligibility when she arrives at Valpo.

            Last year for Lincoln Trail, Kenney averaged 12.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per game while shooting 59.2% from the floor.  A graduate of Mooresville High School, she averaged 12 points and nine rebounds a game during her senior year.

            “Lauren is a very athletic post player,” Freeman said.  “She plays physical, has a mid-range game and a low-post game.  She has very good basketball instincts.”

            Zabielewicz is a 6’6” center from Warsaw, Poland who is currently playing at Midland College in Midland, Texas.  A sophomore this season, she will have two years of eligibility when she arrives at Valpo.

            Last year she averaged 5.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game for Midland while shooting 46.0% from the field.

            “Sylwia will provide us valuable size in the post,” Freeman said.  “She has good skills and will be able to further help us establish a strong inside game.  Her experience playing for one of the nation’s top junior college programs will aid her in the transition.  We look for her to immediately impact our program.”

            “With the addition of these two experienced players as well as returning 12 players from this year’s team, we have strengthen our inside game and should have depth at every position for the coming season,” concluded Freeman.