Langhorne, PA – The Penn State Harrisburg Women's Basketball team got strong efforts from its two seniors Tessa Dolce and Janel Brown who each posted a double-double. The Lions built a six-point lead in the first quarter, taking control of the game thanks to a decisive advantage in rebounds 56-21. The offense got a boost from Shanique Mattis who scored 14 points for the Blue & White. The Lions defense forced 14 turnovers in route to the victory.
Penn State Harrisburg 52 vs. Cairn 38
Penn State Harrisburg Starters:
Shanique Mattis, Aireo Payne, Jada Pettis, Tessa Dolce, and Janel Brown
Cairn Starters:
Emerick, K. Stum, Bookard, Camp, and V. Stum
Records:
Penn State Harrisburg: (1-0)
Cairn: (0-1)
Inside The Stats:
Field Goals: Penn State Harrisburg (20-66) vs. Cairn (16-54)
Assists: Harrisburg (11) vs. Cairn (9)
Turnovers: Harrisburg (21) vs. Cairn (14)
Rebounds: Harrisburg (56) vs. Cairn (21)
How it Happened:
Penn State Harrisburg opened the game on a 7-1 run, caped off by a 3 pointer from Janel Brown. The quarter would end with a bang when freshman Laurel Amey hit a half-court shot as time expired giving the Lions a 14-8 advantage. The Highlanders would make some adjustments and even the play with the Lions in the second quarter making the halftime score 25-21.
The Blue & White would take over from that point on, going on 6-1 run powered again by Brown. The Lions would control play dominating the boards, taking a 39-28 lead into the fourth quarter. Tessa Dolce made back-to-back jump shots to extend the Lions lead to 14, putting the game out of reach. Harrisburg would go on to win 52-38.
Impact Performance:
Janel Brown- 15 Points and 14 Rebounds
Tessa Dolce- 11 Points and 18 Rebounds
Coach Thoughts:
After the game, Head Coach Ross Patrick said, "Tonight we started the year with great leadership from our two seniors; Tessa and JB set the tone on the boards and on the stat sheets with double-doubles. Shanique battled through some early foul trouble to shoot just under 50% from the field, and two of our freshman got in on the action as well with Laurel knocking down a buzzer beater three pointer from half court to close out the first quarter. Good win to start the season, now we get ready for our weekend tournament."
What's Next:
Penn State Harrisburg will take part in the Gwynedd Mercy this week to play in their tip-off tournament. The Lions will play Gwynedd Mercy in the first round at 1:00 PM.