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Cassie Oursler Wins Season Of Competition Waiver; Has Two Years Of Eligibility Remaining
10/10/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
BUFFALO, NY – The University at Buffalo women's basketball team received some great news on Friday afternoon from the NCAA as 6-3 center Cassie Oursler has been granted another year of eligibility after winning the appeal on a Season of Competition waiver. Oursler is now able to compete this season as well as next season for the Bulls.
"We are so excited for Cassie and the future of our women's basketball program," UB head coach Felisha Legette-Jack said. "Cassie stood for something bigger than herself by coming home to help her family and the NCAA rewarded her for her thoughtfulness."
The NCAA gave Oursler her sophomore campaign back as she only appeared in two games in the Fall 2014 before deciding to transfer to Buffalo for the Spring 2015. After originally being denied the season of competition waiver, the UB compliance staff and MAC compliance staff worked hard to appeal the decision and rightfully won back the season of competition for the Western New York native.
The Grand Island native sat out the Spring 2015 and the first half of last season due to transfer rules before being inserted right into the starting lineup down low for the Bulls. The 6-3 center finished off her first season in the blue and white starting 20 of 24 games while averaging 8.0 points, a team-high 6.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. Oursler's presence was felt more so on the defensive end of the floor as she helped to alter and adjust shots in the paint all game long and helped the Bulls defense become a force in the MAC, leading them to their first ever MAC Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance.
Oursler spent her first two seasons of her collegiate career at Robert Morris University where she starred for the Colonials as a freshman. The versatile center made 25 starts and averaged 7.4 points and 5.0 rebounds while being named to the NEC All-Rookie team. During her sophomore campaign, Oursler appeared in two games before transferring to Buffalo and sitting the Spring 2015 and Fall 2015.
"I would like to thank the NCAA, the MAC compliance office and Kelly Cruttenden for their efforts in helping Cassie attain her year back," stated Legette-Jack. "We are even more enthusiastic about the future of our program and my hope is that the community will join me in supporting our team."
Oursler and the Bulls will open up their 2016-17 campaign on November 4 as they welcome Bloomsburg to Alumni Arena for an exhibition game. Tip is set for 6:00 pm between the Bulls and Huskies. Season tickets for the 2016-17 season are now on sale and can be purchased HERE.
