WILKES-BARRE, PA (January 18, 2023) -- It was a true rivalry match up in McGrane Gymnasium on Wednesday night, but the host King's College women's basketball team got the upper hand as they defeated the visiting Wilkes University, 64-43, in the Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom (MAC Freedom) match up. The Monarchs improve to 4-13 overall and 3-5 in MAC Freedom play, while the Colonels fall to 4-13 with a 3-5 conference standing.

King's (4-13, 3-5 MAC Freedom) claimed the early advantage as first year Kathy Shepherd got the scoring started with an opening possession three. Wilkes (4-13, 3-5 MAC Freedom) pulled within two, 7-5, with 6:10 left in the quarter, but King's edged out Wilkes, 12-6 down the stretch to finish the first quarter ahead, 19-11. The Monarchs lead swelled to as much as 14, 29-15, with 4:59 to go before the break, but the Colonels climbed back within four, 33-29, heading into the locker room.

The Monarchs used a stifling defensive effort in the second half where they gave up just 14 points across the 20-minute span to secure the win on their home court. King's stormed out of the gates again, scoring the first eight points of the half, and cruised to a 45-34 score at the end of the third. The Monarchs maintained their advantage as their lead grew to as much as 24, 64-40, off a pair of free throws from first year Gianna Dickson, as the Monarchs secured the 64-43 MAC Freedom win over their cross-town rivals on Wednesday night at home.

Sophomore Lauren Casey poured in a game-high tying 13 points with seven rebounds to lead four in double figures. Junior Kiersten Krouse added 10 points and a team-leading nine boards with two steals, while junior Brenna Costello added 10 points and two assists. Shepherd rounded out the top scorers with 10 points, while junior Caileigh Costello dished out a team-best three helpers.

Julianna Askins led Wilkes with 13 points, while Julia Marino added team-highs of seven rebounds and six assists.

King's shot 49.0 percent (24-49) from the floor with five threes, while holding the Colonels to 30.0 percent (18-60) from the floor and 16.7 percent (4-24) from beyond the arc. The Monarchs won the battle on the boards, 43-33, while also holding the edge in points off turnovers (24-15) and points in the paint (30-24).

The Monarchs will begin the second half of their MAC Freedom schedule on Saturday afternoon as they take on Delaware Valley on the road at 1:00 p.m. in Doylestown, Pa.

--MONARCHS--