Tied first quarter wasn’t enough for New Ken victory

SCHNECKSVILLE, Pa. – Despite a tied score at the end of the first quarter, New Kensington women's basketball was unable to keep up with Lehigh Valley for the last three frames during Saturday's contest, 60-35.

After trailing behind, New Kensington will be pushed to 1-10 in the PSUAC and 2-15 overall, but Lehigh Valley gets to move to 7-3 (PSUAC) and 9-8 (overall).

The first quarter proved to be battle between the teams, ending the scoring at 7-7.

New Kensington regained control early into the second, up 13-10 at 8:14. After tying up the game with five minutes remaining, Lehigh Valley went on a run of six points, leaving New Kensington to no scores the rest of the quarter.

Throughout the half, Lehigh Valley converted on 6 of 32 shots, with New Kensington right behind putting in 5 of 26. Lehigh Valley gained the scoring advantage courtesy of six free throws, while New Kensington had no attempts from the line. At the end of the half, Lehigh Valley led 19-13.

Ryleigh Beck (Saegertown, Pa./ Maplewood) put New Kensington back on the board after sinking a three-pointer, making the score 21-16 at 8:55 in the third quarter. New Kensington had barely narrowed in on the deficit before Lehigh Valley went on another small run to improve its numbers. With one last layup to finish the scoring for the quarter, Lehigh Valley improved its lead to 37-27.

Similar to the previous frames, Lehigh Valley outscored New Kensington 23-8 in the last quarter, leading to a conference victory for the host.

Lehigh Valley went 16 for 40 field goals in the half, but New Kensington only hit 9 of 42.

For New Kensington, Beck paced with 21 points and five rebounds. Auveonna Perkins (Arnold, Pa./ Valley) captured 14 rebounds, and Deshaya Chavis (Penn Hills, Pa./ Penn Hills) had seven assists.

Lehigh Valley had three players reach double digits. Jah'nel Oliver totaled 20 points, Kristin Curry put in 19, and Bri Mobley had 10. Leading with 22 rebounds, Ebondy Sanders also led with four assists.

New Kensington will travel to Penn State Greater Allegheny on Tuesday, Jan. 28 for a contest at 6 p.m., meanwhile Lehigh Valley remains home for its next game on Tuesday against Penn State Scranton. Game time is 6 p.m.

Written by Janet Surma