The Pitt-Bradford women's basketball started fast and did not let up in a 71-60 victory over Houghton on Tuesday night at the KOA Arena.

The Panthers used strong performances by junior forward Alicia Kimmel and senior forward Geena Sneeringer, each of whom scored in double figures. Kimmel led all Panthers with 17 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Sneeringer finished with 10 points, six rebounds and two assists.

Pitt-Bradford (4-1, 0-0) won its fourth-straight game in this young 2013-14 season. After opening the season with a loss to York College, the Panthers have strung together a winning streak heading into the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Highlanders opened the game with a short-lived 6-2 lead. The Panthers immediately responded with a few key steals and several missed opportunities by Houghton gave Pitt-Bradford the edge it needed to take the lead for good.

The Panthers headed to the locker room at halftime with a 35-29 lead, though they were shooting just 43 percent from the floor, including 6-of-8 from the free throw line.

Houghton headed into the break shooting just 40 percent from the floor and just 1-of-2 from the charity stripe.

Houghton (1-5, 0-0) did its best to put together a run in the second half but the Panthers played a stingy defense, not allowing the Highlanders to move into the lead.

Pitt-Bradford had two players finish just shy of scoring in double figures for the night. Abby Brate walked away with nine points, two rebounds and two assists. Carly Dalton had nine points and one rebound.

With time winding down and the Panthers protecting a slim lead, Pitt-Bradford chose to use ball control and manage the clock in order to preserve its lead. The result was a solid performance by the Panthers en route to collecting the win.

Pitt-Bradford will take the rest of the week off in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday. The Panthers will return to the court Monday, Dec. 2, in preparation for their Dec. 7 matchup at Pitt-Greensburg. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m.