The Pitt-Bradford women's basketball team used a strong second half to run away with the lead and close out a 62-53 home opening victory over the visiting Keuka Storm on Tuesday night.  Junior forward Alicia Kimmel led the Panthers with 21 points, four rebounds and two assists.

Pitt-Bradford (2-1, 0-0) found themselves in a battle with the Storm during the first half, as each team saw the momentum shift numerous times. Leading for much of the first half, the Panthers went into halftime trailing 24-22.

Pitt-Bradford finished the first 20 minutes shooting 27 percent from the floor, including 75 percent from the free throw line.

Keuka (0-1, 0-0) managed to come out of the break with the first points of the second half before losing the edge down the stretch. Danielle Gravel led the storm with 18 points and one rebound.

Midway through the second half, the Panthers caught fire and raced out to a large lead. A few costly mistakes allowed the Storm to come back, but not before the Panthers found a way to regain the edge with an 11-2 run and close out the game.

"I am extremely proud of my team and grinding out a win in our home opener," said head coach Patrick Daniel. "In the second half specifically, we began to do certain things that we need to continue to do heading into Grove City on Friday. We are very happy to be 2-1, 1-0 on our home court, but we must continue to improve every day to get better."

The Panthers hit the road as they travel to Grove City, Pa. on Friday, Nov. 22, for their second road trip of this young season. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. against Grove City College.