WILKES-BARRE, PA (January 26, 2023) – For the fourth time this season, the King's College women's basketball team took on a nationally-ranked opponent, and after a gritty start the Monarchs fell, 66-28, to #11/#12 DeSales University in the Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom (MAC Freedom) contest on Thursday night in McGrane Gymnasium. King's drops to 5-14 overall and 4-6 in MAC Freedom play, while the Bulldogs improve to 17-1 with a 9-1 conference mark.

After trailing 6-2, King's (5-14, 4-6 MAC Freedom) used a 6-0 run to lead, 8-6, with 4:20 left in the first quarter. DeSales (17-1, 9-1 MAC Freedom) responded as they closed out the quarter with seven straight points to hold a 13-8 edge over the Monarchs at the first break. Despite some offensive struggles in the second quarter, King's hung tough with the nationally-ranked DeSales and trailed by just 12, 26-14, at halftime.

The second half went to the visitors as King's got off the first basket of the half behind a three from first year Kathy Shepherd, but it was all DeSales the rest of the way as the Monarchs fell, 66-28, in McGrane Gymnasium on Thursday night.

Shepherd led King's with eight points, while sophomore Lauren Casey pulled down eight boards. First year Mackenzie Bennett handed out two assists, while sophomore Megan Olmstead collected a team-best two steals.

The Bulldogs were paced by a 21-point effort from Mikaela Reese as she added six rebounds, four steals, and two blocks. Lindsey Welsh had a balanced game with team-highs of six steals and two assists.

King's was just slightly edged in the rebounding margin, 41-38, by DeSales, while their offense tallied assists on 70 percent of their made baskets.

The Monarchs will look to bounce back on Saturday afternoon as they travel to Madison, NJ to take on FDU-Florham. The opening match up in the MAC Freedom doubleheader is set for a 1:00 p.m. start.

--MONARCHS--