LEMONT FURNACE, Pa. – The Penn State New Kensington women's basketball team, led by Erika Finn (New Kensington, Pa./ Burrell) struggled to get a win against Penn State Fayette, 92-26.

Fayette took off with a small lead in the first quarter, but Finn began boosting New Kensington's score with four points from layups. Brittney Wolford (Lower Burrell, Pa./ Burrell) and Calle Zmenkowski (Cheswick, Pa./ Fox Chapel) scored during the quarter too, putting in two and three points respectively. Zmenkowski had two rebounds as well. Fayette kept ahead at the end of the quarter, 25-9.

Zmenkowski started off the second quarter with two free throws, and Finn began scoring shortly after. Finn sunk a three pointer, which accounted for a portion of her seven points. With New Kensington down 47-18 and only a minute to go, Hannah Berry (Leechburg, Pa./ Leechburg) made a last-minute jump shot to put the score at 47-20 by the end of the quarter.

The third and fourth quarters proved to be difficult for the Lions. Alyssa Slancauskas (Lower Burrell, Pa./ Cheswick Christian) scored the only points in the third, four, and Zmenkowski did the same for the fourth, two.

In total, Finn was the high-scorer for New Kensington with 11 points, had the most rebounds, ten, and had two steals. Zmenkowski produced seven points, five of which were made from the line.

The Lions will return to play next month at home against Penn State Hazelton. The game will take place on Saturday, Feb. 2 at 3:00 p.m.

Written by Janet Surma