READING, Pa. — Penn State Berks dropped its home opener to Saint Elizabeth by a score of 81-50, at the Beaver Athletics & Wellness Center on Friday, November 7.
The first quarter began with Berks exchanging scores with Saint Elizabeth. Early defensive efforts, including a block by
Abigail Pfander, kept the game close. Offensively,
Hailey Miller contributed with a key jumper and a free throw, while
Gabrielle Merritt added a 3-pointer to keep the scoring pace. Despite these efforts, the Eagles capitalized on fast breaks and perimeter shooting, gradually extending their lead. Ahjionae Cobb's late three-pointer put Saint Elizabeth ahead by double digits. The quarter concluded with the Nittany Lions trailing 23–12.
The Nittany Lions opened the second quarter with a strong defensive effort, creating opportunities but struggling to capitalize with a high turnover rate. Miller contributed significantly with a defensive rebound and a layup early in the quarter, supported by an assist from
Jalyn Hann. Despite these efforts, the home team faced a challenging stretch as Saint Elizabeth capitalized on fast-break opportunities to extend their lead. Throughout the quarter, the Nittany Lions worked to close the gap, highlighted by Miller's three-pointer at 1:44 which was assisted by
Abbie Groy. However, Saint Elizabeth maintained momentum with successful outside shooting, pushing the deficit further. The quarter concluded with Berks trailing 41-24, as Saint Elizabeth's offensive run outpaced the home team's scoring.
Berks started the third quarter with a strong inside presence, with Miller converting an offensive rebound into a layup. Despite this early momentum, turnovers hindered their progress, allowing Saint Elizabeth to capitalize with a series of three-pointers, including a notable one from Mya Davis. Throughout the quarter, Berks maintained defensive efforts, highlighted by
Reagan Thorp's block, but struggled to convert opportunities on the offensive end. Miller was instrumental in facilitating plays, adding an assist to her performance, and McKinzie Tritz contributed with a late jumper. The quarter ended with Saint Elizabeth extending their lead, closing at 59–33.
The fourth quarter saw the Nittany Lions striving to shift the game's momentum. Merritt led the charge with two 3-pointers, assisted by Miller, to trim the deficit. The team also capitalized on free throws by Miller and Thorp, adding to their score. Despite their efforts, Berks struggled with turnovers, which Saint Elizabeth converted into fast-break points, maintaining their lead. Berks' defense made notable rebounds, with Hann and Tritz contributing on the boards. However, Saint Elizabeth's offensive execution in the paint, led by Cobb and Nacheca Joseph, kept their advantage intact. The quarter concluded with a score of 81–50 in favor of Saint Elizabeth.
Miller led Berks with 18 points, converting 6 of 18 field goal attempts, including two 3-pointers. Merritt added 11 points, sinking three shots from beyond the arc and securing eight rebounds. Hann recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds and eight points.
Kiara Altine contributed defensively with three assists and one steal.
WHO'S NEXT
The Nittany Lions will travel for the first time this season, heading north to face Wilkes University on Saturday, Nov. 8. Tip-off is set for 3:00 PM at Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
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