MCKEESPORT, Pa. - The Penn State New Kensington women's basketball team fell to 0-13 in McKeesport on Thursday to division rival Penn State Greater Allegheny while nevertheless maintaining tenacity and persistent teamwork.

Thursday night's game in Wunderley Gym may not have been what the women's team from New Kensington hoped, but it was an excellent display of rugged synergy.

The women showed a very powerful and dependable first period with Deshaya Chavis (Penn Hills, Pa. / Penn Hills) challenging her contenders by keeping up a fast-paced drive down the court. Penn State New Kensington supported their strong offense by putting points on the board first.

Chavis shared an imposing offensive relationship with Shaylynne Boitnott (Meadville, Pa. / Meadville) in the paint, consistently placing Boitnott in incredible scoring positions throughout the entire first period.

Penn State New Kensington led at the end of the period 21-17 and possessed 52.9% of points from the field.

The athleticism of Chavis gave New Kensington a continued advantage on offense through the second period. Ryliegh Beck (Saegertown, Pa. / Maplewood) directed spectacular three-pointers with a sophisticated mode of passing.

The work rate dropped early in the second period but quickly picked up again with a much-improved defensive performance.

Penn State New Kensington remained quiet for much of the third period, but Chavis found the basket enough to keep the game competitive. The team collectively earned another 34 points despite Greater Allegheny's dominant defense.

Ryliegh Beck earned the final point of the period on a free throw with one second left on the clock, Greater Allegheny leading 73-55.

The women held their ground nearing the end of the final seconds of play and showed great unity after a fierce battle. Ryliegh Beck ascended to the top of New Kensington's scoring leaders with 24 points, followed by remarkable performances by Shaylynne Boitnott and Deshaya Chavis with 22 and 20 points respectively.

Penn State New Kensington women's basketball played with an all-around fire for the full 40 minutes. In the end, Greater Allegheny edged out New Kensington 103-71

Despite a difficult season, the student-athletes of the Penn State New Kensington women's basketball team resume practice each week with only the best prospects in mind. This positive attitude is what allows the women to spend extra time after practice perfecting their game.

Thursday's contest marked the first game of the homestretch of the season, leaving the team an adequate amount of time to improve. " . . . we always try to think of the best outcome we can get out of a game," said senior forward Boitnott during Tuesday's practice. "So in our mind, it's trying to get a win that will put you on a path to keep building so that's our plan. Now it seems like we are more motivated and that we are ready to start fresh, forget about the last part of the first semester and just keep building on."

The women will face off against Penn State Scranton at home on Sunday, Jan. 16. at 5:00 p.m.

Written by Matt Heavner, PSNK Athletics Communications Intern