MEADVILLE, Pa. – The Allegheny women's basketball team used a balanced effort to overcome a fourth quarter deficit, defeating Grove City 58-50 in Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) action Wednesday (Jan. 10) in Meadville.
 
The Wolverines led 7-6 after a back-and-forth opening five minutes. In total, the first quarter saw the lead change hands nine times as Grove City led 13-12 heading into the second quarter.
 
Grove City scored the first five points of the second quarter before a three pointer by Jasmyn Fisher (Pittsburgh, Pa./Woodland Hills) broke up the run. However, the Wolverines would go on another run, moving ahead 25-15. The Gators bounced back to cut the lead to six, 29-23, at the half.
 
Emily Lauer (Knox, Pa./Keystone) led the Gators with 10 points and a pair of steals in the opening half. Jess Bickart (Cranberry Township, Pa./Seneca Valley) had six points and five rebounds while Sarah Santicola (Moon Township, Pa./Moon Area) had six boards. 
 
After the Wolverines scored the first four points of the second half, the Gators put together a 6-0 run to cut the lead to 32-29 midway through. Minutes later, a Bickart basket assisted by Kate Leach (Columbus, Ohio/Upper Arlington) tied the contest at 33. Santicola would then put the Gators in front for the first time since the opening frame. The teams continued to battle in the final minutes of the quarter as a late three gave Grove City a 43-39 advantage heading into the fourth.
 
The Gators tied the game at 45 early in the fourth following a Santicola basket. The teams continued to trade baskets as they were locked at 50 with just over four minutes to play. A midrange jumper by Leach, followed by a Santicola driving layup gave the Gators a 54-50 lead with 90 seconds left.
 
Allegheny was able to take advantage of trips to the free throw line in the minute as they held on for the conference victory.
 
Inside the Box

• Lauer led the team with 16 points and five steals. Additionally, she had three rebounds and two assists.
• Bickart put together a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
• Santicola was also in double figures with 12 points to go alongside six rebounds and five blocks. It is her sixth game with four or more blocks.
• Leach finished with nine rebounds and seven points.
• Analyse Rios (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek) had five points.
• The Gators outscored the Wolverines in the paint 38-16.
• The game featured 16 lead changes and five ties.

News and Notes

• The Gators are now 29-17 against Grove City after the regular season sweep.
• The win marked the third straight for Allegheny.

Up Next
The Gators remain at home Saturday (Jan. 13), playing host to Washington and Jefferson.