SUMMERDALE, Pa. - Penn State Schuylkill Women's Basketball defeated USCAA opponent Central Penn College on Thursday.
Schuylkill outscored Central Penn 12-6 during the first quarter. Schuylkill showcased their dominance on the boards throughout the period outrebounding Central Penn 16-9 while grabbing 8 offensive rebounds.
Central Penn's second quarter run saw them tie the contest at 16-16 with 3:43 remaining in the half. A three-point basket by Monet Edwards (Philadelphia, PA / Swenson Arts and Technology High School) at the 2:26 mark capped off a 7-0 Schuylkill run, giving them their largest lead of the half. Schuylkill entered halftime with a five-point advantage.
A 9-0 Schuylkill run to begin the third quarter gave them a 32-18 lead with 6:32 to play in the quarter. Schuylkill led by as many as 15 in the third as the trio of Edwards, Ava Novak (Numidia, PA / Southern Columbia High School), and Norma Thornhill (Washington D.C. / Eleanor Roosevelt High School) scored all 18 of Schuylkill's third quarter points.
Trailing by double digits at the beginning of the fourth period, Central Penn managed to narrow their deficit to 45-41 with 5:30 remaining in regulation. As Central Penn continued to chip away at Schuylkill's lead, Serena Jones (Tamaqua, PA / Tamaqua High School) scored 6 points for Schuylkill down the stretch including a crucial put back to extend their lead to 51-47 with 1:25 left in the contest. Consecutive steals by Megan Hauser (Lehighton, PA / Lehighton Area High School), Allison Crockett (Liverpool, PA / Greenwood High School), and Jones during the final minute of play in addition to made free throws by Edwards and Thornhill clinched the victory for Schuylkill.
Novak scored a game-high 20 points with 9 rebounds. Thornhill notched a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Edwards added 12 points in the victory.
Schuylkill (12-13 overall, 6-8 PSUAC) will host Penn State Scranton on Saturday, February 10th. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m.
