Dec. 10 – BETHANY, W.Va. – Highlighted by four players in double-figures, the Bethany College women's basketball team (5-3, 1-1 PAC) picked up an 84-71 victory over Penn State – Behrend on Wednesday evening.
The Bison came out firing on all cylinders, going on an early 7-2 run to open up the contest. Freshman Kelsea Daugherty (Newport, Ohio/Frontier) supplied the scoring, converting on a pair of free throws as well as a layup.
The Bison would continue the pressure, extending their lead to 10 points (23-13) on a bucket from sophomore Hayley Holenka (Shadyside, Ohio/Shadyside).
Bethany would carry the momentum into intermission, as they outscored the Lions 24-17 over the last 10 minutes en route to the 47-30 half time advantage.
Leading the Bison charge in the first half was Daugherty, junior Gabrielle Naples (Salem, Ohio/South Range) and sophomore Lauren Simpson (Washington, Pa./Trinity). Daugherty continued her hot start to the season, collecting 13 points and five rebounds. Naples added six points, while Simpson collected nine points on three 3-point makes.
The Bison defense was also hard at work, holding the Lions to just 34 percent shooting as well as forcing nine turnovers.
The second half saw the Green & White in complete control, as they opened the frame going on a 11-4 run to extend the advantage to 24 points (58-34) at the 16-minute mark. Holenka and junior Mikyla Tipton (Wellsville, Ohio/Wellsville) were the beneficiaries, combining for eight points, including two threes.
Bethany would never let Penn State – Behrend threaten over the remaining 15 minutes of action as they cruised to a convincing 84-71 triumph.
Offensively, the Bison shot a blistering 50 percent from the field (31-62), including 45 percent from behind the arc (9-20).
Leading the Bison were Daugherty, Tipton, Naples and Holenka. Daugherty tallied 15 points and seven rebounds, while Tipton added 13 points, three assists and two steals. Naples recorded 12 points, while Holenka finished with 11 points, including three 3-pointers.
Others that played well included Simpson, sophomore Carly Grady (Keyser, W.Va./Keyser), junior Sami Schott (Caldwell, Ohio/Shenandoah) and sophomore Alexis Naples (Salem, Ohio/South Range). Simpson added nine points, while Grady finished with seven points, four rebounds and two blocks. Schott eight points and four assists and Naples added seven in the scoring column.
Defensively, the Bison were aggressive, forcing the Lions into 19 turnovers and tallying nine steals. In addition, seven different Bison recorded a swipe.
The Green & White will look for win number six on Saturday, Dec. 13 as they travel to Presidents' Athletic Conference foe Geneva College. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.