Lady Lions Defeat Fordham

Story posted November 10, 2013 in CommRadio, Sports by Josiah Bates

The #13 ranked Lady Lions (2-0) took the floor two days after their dominant performance against St. Francis, and hosted the Fordham Rams (1-1). They won the contest 78 –61.

Though the Lady Lions only shot 40% from the field, they hit eight-three pointers, while holding the Rams to just 34% field goal shooting.

For a relatively young team, the Lady Lions continue to improve their chemistry as the season gets underway.

“The chemistry is going to take a little while to build, but we want to be playing our best basketball at the end of the year so right now we’re just trying to get better every day,” said senior guard, Maggie Lucas.

The Lady Lions opened up the game quickly and had 20-10, lead with just under 12 minutes left in the first half. Nine of the first 20 points came from the three-point line.

With tough defense led by senior guard Dara Taylor, the Lions were able to extend their lead to 16, with 1:40 left in the half.

The Rams, however would go on a 7-2 and cut into the deficit. The Lions held a 38-28 advantage at the end of the first half.

Penn State came out very aggressive to start the second half, going on a 12-4 run. Senior forward Ariel Edwards scored five points during the run and ended the game with 17 points, and four  rebounds.

Coquese Washington was very pleased with Edwards’s aggressive play in the second half.  

“This year she’s got to be more aggressive and assertive,” said the Lady Lions head coach. “I was happy to see her step up and do that in the second half.”

The Rams would continue to try and get themselves back into the games. They managed to cut the lead to 10, with 12:40 left in the game.

Despite the momentum shift, Lucas, along with the help of Taylor and freshman forward Alex Harris, would bring it back for Penn State with scoring and defensive stops.

The Lions would extend their lead to 27, while receiving contributions from everyone that played.

Maggie Lucas led the way with 23 points making four three-pointers. Dara Taylor added 12 points and played phenomenal defense throughout. Sophomore forward Candice Agee pulled down seven rebounds with eight points.

For the Rams, senior guard Erin Rooney had a team-high 20 points. Sophomore forward Samatha Clark had 10 points.

The Lady Lions will host the defending NCAA champs, Connecticut Huskies, next Sunday in the Bryce Jordan Center.

Josiah Bates is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jnb5278@psu.edu.