Women’s basketball comes up short against DuBois

NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. - Despite its best scoring output of the season, the Penn State New Kensington women's basketball team dropped a 65-35 decision at home to Penn State DuBois on Tuesday. New Kensington surpassed its previous high of 30 points against Central Penn from earlier in November.

With the defeat, New Kensington falls to 0-6, including 0-3 in the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC). DuBois, meanwhile, improves to 3-2, including 3-1 in PSUAC play.

Shaylynne Boitnott (Meadville, Pa/Meadville) posted a game-high 18 points for New Kensington on an efficient 9-of-15 shooting from the field, and she also grabbed a team-leading nine rebounds. Deshaya Chavis (Penn Hills, Pa/Penn Hills) scored 10 points, snagged seven boards, dished out five assists, and collected a game-best six steals while playing all 40 minutes. Additionally, Alexa Marasco (Natrona Heights, Pa/Highlands) provided five points, four rebounds, and two assists, while Sarah Usko (Lower Burrell, Pa/Burrell) chipped in with seven rebounds.

Cierra O'Shell paced DuBois with 15 points, while Shannon Shaw and Lexie Shick each scored 11 points. Emileigh Syster grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds, while Tara Hinderliter corralled nine rebounds, and Shick added eight boards and dished out eight assists.

The first 20 minutes were competitive, as DuBois outscored New Kensington 12-5 in the opening quarter, with O'Shell providing six points via a pair of three-pointers.

Boitnott established her presence in the second quarter for New Ken, as she scored 10 points. However, DuBois outpaced New Kensington 18-14 in the period to establish a 30-19 lead at the half.

The second half belonged to DuBois, which outscored New Ken 35-16 after the intermission to secure the victory.

Penn State New Kensington returns to the hardwood on Friday, Dec. 3 for a home matchup against Penn State York. Meanwhile, Penn State DuBois next plays on Thursday, Dec. 2 at home against Penn State Schuylkill.