The Penn State Harrisburg Women's Basketball team allowed an early 10-0 run that didn't stop stinging until nine minutes into the game, finding themselves down 17-2. Despite bouncing back strong in the second half the early lead would be too much to overcome as the Lions lost to the Mary Washington Eagles 66-31.
Harrisburg knew Saturday afternoon's game against the Eagles, who were 5-1 in the Capitol Athletic Conference, would be a difficult hill to climb. The Eagles wasted no time, using the first 3:18 to go on an early 10-0 run.
Freshmen Rebecca Bailey (Tobyhanna, Pa. / Notre Dame of East Stroudsburg) helped get the Lions moving back in the right direction with her jumper with 10:10 to play in the first. Kiara Carter (Bronx, N.Y. / Milton Hershey) scored the next two points before Mary Washington went on their second big run of the game; this time good enough for twelve straight points. Jasmine Yanich (Harrisburg, Pa. / Susquehanna Township) drained a three and Lucky Snypse (Philadelphia, Pa. / George Washington Carver of Engineering and Science) hit a layup for the final five points and bringing a spark of momentum back before halftime; despite the 31-13 score heading into the locker rooms.
When the Blue and White returned to the floor, they showed that regardless of their youth, the have the ability to compete with the best of the CAC. Harrisburg played the first ten minutes of the half matching the Eagles bucket for bucket. Unfortunately the Lions were not able to keep the basket exchanges going and allowed a little more ground to slip losing with a final score of 66-31.
Freshman Kaitlyn Carmo (Palmyra, Pa. / Palmyra Area) and Carter were the big point earners on the night. Carmo scored nine and Carter added seven, while they both led the team with six rebounds. Bailey led the team with six assist while also adding five points and rebounds.
Head coach Ross Patrick was available for comment post game. "This stretch of our schedule was daunting with back to back to back games against three of the top teams in our conference. No easy task by any means, but our girls, to their credit, have fought their way through this challenge physically, and more important emotionally as we continue to grow and mature in our acclimating to the competition that exists night in and night out in the CAC. I'm very proud of our team, I admire their resolve and desire to improve!"
The Lions hope to turn around their recent three game slump when they return home to take on another top CAC team, Wesley College Wednesday January 22nd at 6:00 p.m.