DUBOIS, Pa. – The second portion of each half proved to be difficult for New Kensington women's basketball team on Saturday, as Penn State Dubois took advantage of its own command, causing New Kensington to fall 74-39.
With one more contest remaining, New Kensington drops to 1-15 in the PSUAC and 2-21 overall. Dubois improves to 8-7 in the conference and 13-9 overall.
After going on an 11-point run to lead into midpoint of the first quarter, Dubois allowed New Kensington to score in the double digits, but not enough to catch up. Dubois landed four three pointers to contribute to its 7 of 17 field goals, which pushed it to be in the front at the end of the first, 20-13.
Josalind Dennison (Beaver Falls, Pa./ Beaver Falls) put up the first shots for New Kensington in the second quarter, two free throws, but Dubois went on for 19 points before New Kensington was able to get back on the board. The half ended in favor of Dubois, 41-19.
The third quarter was the tightest 10 minutes of the contest, with Dubois only outscoring New Kensington by three. New Kensington went on its first large run, pushing through eight, with Dennison finishing the run with a jump shot. Dennison and Ryliegh Beck (Saegertown, Pa./ Maplewood) led New Kensington with six points apiece. A shot from behind the arc was the only thing separating the teams during this quarter. Dubois was up 58-33 with one quarter remaining.
New Kensington only converted 2 of 11 field goals during the last frame, but Dubois put up 8 of 14 which led it to secure its home victory even more.
Dennison led New Kensington with 12 points, while tying for most rebounds, eight, with Auveonna Perkins (Arnold, Pa./ Valley). Deshaya Chavis (Penn Hills, Pa./ Penn Hills) put up eight points and had the only assists of the game, three. Chavis also had four steals, and Beck totaled up five.
Posting 20 points, Cierra O'Shell was the forefront of Dubois' offense, while also contributing seven rebounds and four assists. Leah Lindemuth and Malliah Schreck each paced with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Maddie Sprankle led with six assists.
New Kensington will finish up the season at home on Wednesday as it faces off with Penn State Greater Allegheny at 6 p.m. Dubois will host Penn State Fayette on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Written by Janet Surma
