WILKES-BARRE – The Wilkes University women's basketball team is set for the first annual Cross County Challenge hosted by the University of Scranton on Saturday and Sunday.
 
The tournament features round robin play between Luzerne County schools Wilkes and King's against Lackawanna County schools Scranton and Marywood. The men are now in the sixth year of the Challenge playing on the same weekend as the women this season.
 
Wilkes opens the challenge against Marywood University on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. before a date with No. 3 Scranton on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. All games will be played in the John Long Center on the campus of the University of Scranton.
 
Live Stats and video will be available courtesy of the Scranton Sports Information department at the links below.
 
Live Stats – vs. Marywood
Live Stats – vs. Scranton
 
Live Video – both games
 
Wilkes enters the tournament with a 2-2 overall record after picking up a 76-65 victory over Alvernia University on Tuesday night at the Marts Center. Wilkes is yet to record a win on the road as both victories have come in the friendly confines of the Marts Center this season.
 
Freshman Gianna Roberts (Nanticoke, PA/Nanticoke) leads the Lady Colonel attack averaging a team-best 10.3 points and 6.5 rebounds. Haley Mesaros (Royersford, PA/Pope John Paul II) follows with 8.8 points and 3.8 rebounds while Ashley Caster (York, PA/Spring Grove) adds 8.0 points and 4.5 rebounds in four games played. Emelie Meinhart (Bowmanstown, PA/Palmerton) contributes 7.0 points and 3.0 rebounds and Missy Oertner (Schnecksville, PA/Parkland) chips in 6.8 points and 2.5 assists.
 
Wilkes is averaging 70.5 points per-game while allowing 65.0 points per-contest through its 2-2 start to 2016-17.
 
Wilkes continues its road stretch on Wednesday following the weekend tournament traveling to Juniata College for a non-conference game scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in Huntingdon, Pa.