SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. – Penn State Schuylkill Women's Basketball fell in a close matchup to Penn State New Kensington on Friday, 65-62.

A successful three-point shot by Allison Crockett (Liverpool, PA / Greenwood High School) at 4:25 in the first quarter expanded Schuylkill's advantage to 17-4, prompting a timeout from New Kensington. Following their break, Katelynn Himes (Frackville, PA / North Schuylkill High School) responded to a New Kensington three-point conversion with one of her own. Subsequently, New Kensington embarked on an 8-0 run, narrowing their deficit to 20-15 heading into the second period.

New Kensington sustained their hot shooting as the second period began, scoring a three-point basket to trim their deficit to two. Himes once again answered the challenge, capitalizing on a three-pointer to widen Schuylkill's lead to 23-18. A successful jump shot by Ava Novak (New Media, PA / Southern Columbia High School) on Schuylkill's next offensive possession increased their lead to seven. A 9-3 New Kensington stretch reduced their deficit to 28-27 with 4:37 remaining in the second period. A 10-3 Schuylkill run, featuring six consecutive points by Serena Jones (Tamaqua, PA / Tamaqua High School), extended their lead to 38-30 late in the half. A three-point conversion by New Kensington at the buzzer brought them within five heading into the final half of play.

New Kensington secured their first lead of the contest at 52-50 before extending it to 58-52 with 3:43 remaining in the game. Schuylkill promptly regained the lead following a timeout, going on a 6-0 run with 1:35 to play in the contest.

With the score deadlocked at 60-60 late in the period, Crockett knocked down a jump shot, giving them a 62-60 lead with 1:09 remaining in regulation. Consecutive successful jumpers by New Kensington in the crucial moments ultimately clinched the victory as they overcame Schuylkill.

Jones led Schuylkill with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Novak added 13 points and 7 rebounds. Himes and Crockett combined for 25 points off the bench finishing with 14 and 11 respectively.

Schuylkill (1-7 overall, 0-2 PSUAC) will play their second matchup of a back-to-back against Penn State Shenango on Saturday.