Fourth Quarter Defense Locks in Win Over Youngstown State
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State women’s basketball marked a hard-fought victory in its book against Youngstown State Tuesday night at the Bryce Jordan Center. The Lady Lions came out on top with a final score of 77-63.
The matchup marked more than one victory for the Lady Lions. Late in the third quarter, Johnasia Cash scored her 1000th career point.
Makenna Marisa, one of the game-leading scorers for Penn State, has moved up to 20th in all-time leading scorers for the Lady Lions. Her leadership for the team continues to show each game as she contributes to the stat sheet.
“It’s vital,” Coach Kieger said, “She is our veteran leader.”
The Lady Lions are now undefeated with three wins to start their season. However, Kieger is still not satisfied.
“We did not execute the game plan very well,” Kieger said. “We were settling.”
The Lady Lions and Youngstown State were neck and neck up until the fourth and final quarter of the matchup. In that final quarter, the Lady Lions were able to pull away to a 14-point lead.
Shay Ciezki, freshman point guard for the Lady Lions, scored a career-high of 10 points in Tuesday’s matchup. Cieski is evidently becoming a key player in the Lady Lion’s offense.
“We’ve been really challenging her,” Kieger said, “Since her first summer workout.”
Ciezki’s role as Penn State’s floor general became apparent against Youngstown State.
“I’ve been working on that,” Ciezki said, “Every day.”
There was a clear difference in Penn State’s game from the first half to the second half. The Lady Lions scored a total of 44 points in the second half, outscoring Youngstown State by 13.
The Lady Lions’ fourth-quarter defense is what turned the momentum of Tuesday’s matchup into their own hands. They pressured Youngstown State with a mix of man-to-man, three-two zone and full-court press, resulting in eight turnovers in one quarter.
“As soon as we started pressuring the guards,” Ciezki said, “They weren’t able to get good looks into the paint.”
Putting up 12 points in the first half and nine points in the second half, Leilani Kapinus had her second career 20-point game.
“Feels great to get the 20 points,” Kapinus said, “Feels better to get the win.”
The Lady Lions look to stay undefeated in their matchup on Nov. 18 against Bryant.
Maddie Bader is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email madelinegbader@gmail.com