WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

VALPARAISO | With the best post player in recent years currently playing overseas, Valparaiso women's basketball coach Keith Freeman went overseas to find a replacement for Tamra Braun.

On Tuesday Freeman announced the signings of two junior college players for the 2008-2009 season, including 6-foot-6 Polish center Sylwia Zabielewicz. Also signing was Lauren Kenney, a 6-0 forward from Lincoln Trail College in Robinson, Ill.

"Sylwia is the biggest kid we've signed since I've been here," Freeman said. "She started playing basketball later in her life and my feeling is that she's still getting better."

Zabielewicz averaged 5.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game last year for Midland College. The Texas junior college is currently ranked third in the country. Kenney averaged 12.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per game last season.

"Lauren is a very physical player who jumps well and has a good low-post game and mid-range game," Freeman said. "She is a lot like Nicole Piggot of Oakland, only a stronger version."