READING, Pa. — Penn State Berks defeated Cairn University in a nonconference matchup by a score of 66-54 on Monday, November 24 at the Beaver Athletics & Wellness Center, behind a career-defining outing by Hailey Miller. Miller scored 35 points on 14-24 shooting, pulled in 14 rebounds and registered five steals, scoring her 1,000th career point in the process. 

Berks started the first quarter with strong defensive pressure, forcing seven turnovers from The Highlanders. This defensive effort led to five steals, contributing to an early advantage. Offensively, the Blue & White capitalized on these opportunities, with Hailey Miller playing a pivotal role by securing multiple rebounds and assists. The quarter saw a back-and-forth scoring exchange, highlighted by Gabrielle Merritt's and Annie Laubach's successful 3-pointers, which helped keep the scoreboard tight. Gianna Roberts provided a boost with a fast-break layup, assisted by Miller, giving Berks a brief lead. In the closing moments, Miller's layup, assisted by Roberts, regained the lead for Berks. The quarter ended with Berks ahead, 14–13, setting the stage for a competitive match.

The second quarter began with the Nittany Lions capitalizing on their offensive rebounding, producing a flurry of attempts and converting key layups. Miller's consistent scoring in the paint helped establish an early lead. Despite The Highlanders' effort to keep pace with a couple of 3-pointers, Berks maintained control through effective defensive stops and limiting turnovers. The quarter was marked by a strong showing in the paint, where Berks scored 14 points and gained a 6-0 advantage in second-chance points. As the half concluded, Berks sustained their lead, closing ahead 32-28, outscoring The Highlanders 18-15 in the frame.

Berks opened the third quarter with strong defensive plays, exemplified by Merritt's block at 9:29, and maintained their intensity throughout. Roberts contributed significantly with a steal that led to a Miller jumper, extending the lead to 34-30. Despite The Highlanders' efforts to close the gap, including a layup by Laryssa Robinson, Berks remained resilient. Laubach's fast-break layup at 5:04 reignited momentum, pushing the score to 40-36. Miller's consistent scoring, including key free throws and a layup, helped solidify the lead. By the quarter's end, Berks had extended their advantage to 48-41, heading into the final quarter with a seven-point lead.

Penn State Berks secured a steady lead in the fourth quarter, starting with Miller's layup assisted by Laubach at 9:54. Miller continued to impact the game with a jumper at 8:51, extending the lead. During this quarter, Miller reached a milestone by scoring her 1,000th career point, adding to the victory's significance. Despite The Highlanders' attempts to close in, including Olivia Logan's layup at 6:35, the Blue & White maintained control. The team's defensive efforts were highlighted by Merritt's steal at 7:51, leading to a series of successful free throws. Jalyn Hann and Reagan Thorp contributed to the scoring with key baskets, while a late surge of free throws from Laubach and Merritt sealed the quarter. The game concluded with Berks leading 66–54, outscoring The Highlanders by five points in the final quarter.

Miller's 35 points are the third-most in single game in program history. Laubach scored 12 points and recorded five assists, helping facilitate the offense. Roberts posted five assists and collected two steals, showing her defensive capabilities. Hann finished with 12 rebounds, leading the team in that statistic.

WHO'S NEXT
Its a quick turnaround for Berks, as they will host Penn College on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 3:00 PM in Reading, Pennsylvania.

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