Montrose

LATROBE — Though she is putting up solid numbers for a sophomore and first-year starter for the Saint Vincent College women's basketball team, Seneca Valley graduate Paige Montrose stands out because of the intangibles she brings to the program.

After less than two full seasons with the Bearcats, Montrose has formed quite an impression with St. Vincent coach Jimmy Petruska.

“She has the x-factors that help us win games — hustle, heart and effort — and it's every day,” he said of the 6-foot forward. “In 16 years of coaching, I've never seen a player give everything she has in every sprint, every drill, every game like Paige does.

“She is the exact model of the type of player we want. If I could clone her, I would.”

Montrose saw action in 20 games as a freshman, averaging 5.3 points and 3.7 rebounds per contest.

She has started all 23 games this season for the Bearcats, who are 16-7 overall and 13-3 in the Presidents' Athletic Conference. She is averaging 7.5 points and 4.1 rebounds and her field-goal percentage of 49 (66-of-135) leads the team. She has added 35 assists and 36 steals.

“I didn't play at all in the first eight games last year,” Montrose said. “Then I slowly started getting minutes and it was just a matter of proving I deserved to get more playing time. I am happy now to be in the starting lineup.

“I have adapted to the college game and I like setting an example for other players.”

Before she arrived in Latrobe, Montrose had to overcome a pair of injuries while a student athlete at Seneca Valley.

During the summer leading into her sophomore year, she tore the ACL in her left knee, causing her to miss the entire basketball season. She had to sit out half of her junior season due to an ankle injury suffered in the fall while playing soccer.

“I remember thinking, 'Why did this have to happen,'” said Montrose. “I hated just watching, but it gave me a chance to watch the game and I ended up appreciating it even more.”

Montrose returned as a senior and averaged 11 points, six rebounds and four steals per game for the Raiders. It was during that season that she had a change of heart regarding her future.

“I was planning on playing soccer in college and had talked to a lot of the PAC schools about that,” said Montrose, “but I decided to come to St. Vincent and play basketball.”

Montrose became part of a St. Vincent program that has been one of the most consistent winners in the PAC in recent years. Last season, the Bearcats fell to Thomas More in the conference championship game.

The two teams meet in a regular-season game Wednesday, but could very well meet again in the upcoming PAC tournament.

“They've dominated the conference the last few years and this is their last season in the PAC,” Montrose said of the Saints. “We'd love to give them a run for their money.”

As for Montrose, Petruska sees every opportunity for her to become a star over the next two years.

“Her work ethic, athleticism and desire give her the ability to be a great player,” he said. “It has been a true blessing to have her here.”