MORRISTOWN, N.J. - Penn State Harrisburg's women's basketball team captured the program's first United East Championship and secured its first-ever NCAA Tournament berth with a 64-54 win over St. Elizabeth on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 24. 

Ciani Redd-Howard posted a 10-point, 13-rebound double-double, while Giahny Correa and Jenna Montana netted a team-high 13 points each. Ali Lister led the team with six assists and Jayla Galbreath chipped in with nine points. 

Penn State Harrisburg (17-11) got up 16-9 late in the first quarter before St. Elizabeth (22-6) pulled to within two going into the second frame. Galbreath and Montana both had key 3-pointers midway through the second period to continue to fuel the away team's advantage before heading into halftime. 

With 2:36 left in the third quarter, the Eagles took their first lead of the night after Mya Davis scored a layup to put the home team ahead 45-44. Montana hit another clutch shot from beyond the arc before Correa went 1-of-2 from the free throw line to put the Lions back on top. 

Correa opened up the final frame with a driving layup on the left side and then Montana hit her fourth 3-pointer of the night to make it 55-49. Penn State Harrisburg knocked down nine foul shots in the last eight minutes to create enough separation to hold off St. Elizabeth down the stretch and clinch the program's first conference title. 

NOTABLES 

- Penn State Harrisburg shot 41.7 percent from 3-point range, while St. Elizabeth shot 30.8 percent on the night. 

- The Lions' reserves outscored the Eagles' bench 23-9. 

- Redd-Howard had a double-double with 10 points and a team-high 13 rebounds.

- Correa and Montana both netted a team-high 13 points. Correa set the single-season scoring record with 434 points and was named the tournament MVP for her efforts. 

- Lister dished out six assists and added two steals and six points. 

- Galbreath hit three 3-pointers to tally nine points. 

WHO'S NEXT? 

The Lions await their destination and will find out their first-round opponent during the NCAA Selection Show on Monday afternoon. 

STAY CONNECTED 

Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Threads, and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.