NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. – Westminster College defeated host Penn State New Kensington, 69-21, in a women's basketball contest this evening.

Westminster grasped an early lead over New Kensington in the first quarter. They managed to earn themselves a 26-0 head start until Josalind Dennison (Beaver Falls, Pa./ Beaver Falls) sunk a jump shot to put New Kensington on the board.

Continuing their lead into the second quarter, Westminster gained four more points before Dennison scored again to boost the Lions. Erika Finn (New Kensington, Pa./ Burrell) put in a free throw shortly after, which was the last of New Kensington's scoring for the half.

The third quarter began with Westminster ahead 51-4. After a full timeout by New Kensington, Shaylynne Boitnott (Meadville, Pa./ Meadville) came out from the huddle and made a jump shot. After Boitnott's two points, Westminster upped their score to 57, and New Kensington remained at six.

With such a gap to close, Kensington began pushing for points in the fourth quarter. Westminster widened their gap to 61-6 before New Kensington began scoring. Ryleigh Beck (Saegertown, Pa./ Maplewood), who led the game with eight points, scored all of them during the last quarter. After sinking two free throws, Beck moved on to make back to back three-pointers. At this point in the game, the score read 66-19, until Westminster made a three-point jump shot of their own with one minute remaining. New Kensington held Westminster at that score, and Finn finished the game with two more points from a layup.

Not only did Beck lead with eight points, she also grabbed six rebounds. Auveonna Perkins (Arnold, Pa./ Valley), Dennison, and Boitnott followed with five rebounds apiece. Along with five rebounds, Dennison also added up six points. 

The Carlow Celtics will travel to New Kensington on Friday, Nov. 15 for a 6 p.m. game.

Written by Janet Surma