First quarter gap causes upset for the Lions

BETHANY, WV. – In Wednesday's nonconference contest, New Kensington women's basketball faced an 18-point deficit in the opening frame against Bethany College. Although outscoring the Bison in the third and fourth quarters, the Lions were unable to match what had already set them back. This upset pushes the Lions back to 1-9 overall, while advancing the Bison to 2-7.

After being held at two points for the majority of the first quarter, the Lions faced a dangerous gap in the scores to start off the contest. The Bison went on an eight-point run once the Lions scored at 5:18, and produced four more with 23 seconds remaining. The Bison outshot the Lions, connecting 8 of 15, and going 4 for 5 from the line. At the end of the quarter, the Bison led 22-4.

The second quarter proved just as detrimental to the Lions, as they only put up two points versus 12 from the Bison. The Lions had no attempted field goals, only foul shots, while the Bison shot 5 for 17 and added two three-pointers. At midpoint, the score was 34-6 in favor of the Bison.

The Lions entered the game after halftime with better play than seen in the previous quarters. Producing 20 points to outscore the Bison, the Lions tightened the gap on the host, but not enough to push ahead. Ryleigh Beck (Saegertown, Pa./ Maplewood) put in eight points to lead the Lions for the quarter, sinking all three of her attempted shots along with two from the arc.

With the end of the contest closing in, the Bison were up 46-26. Once again, the Lions were able to outscore their opponent, 11-8, in the last quarter. Erika Finn (New Kensington, Pa./ Burrell) contributed all of the Lions' 11 points. Finn shot 5-5 and added a free throw.

Leading the Lions, Finn paced with 19 points after her contributions set the Lions ahead of the Bison the last 20 minutes of play. Beck trailed with eight that she produced in the third. Auveonna Perkins (Arnold, Pa./ Valley) and Josalind Dennison (Beaver Falls, Pa./ Beaver Falls) each took five rebounds, and Deshaya Chavis (Penn Hills, Pa./ Penn Hills) led in assists, four.

Kelsie Meintel and Abbey Dobbins put up 11 points apiece to set them as game leaders for the Bison. They each had eight rebounds, along with Allison Kuhn, who followed them with 10 points. Kuhn led with seven assists as well.

On Friday, Penn State Fayette will host the Lions at 6 p.m., and the Bison will travel to Montclair St. on Saturday for a 1 p.m. competition.

Written by Janet Surma