READING, PA — Penn State Berks fell to Haverford College on Wednesday, December 10, by a score of 82-34 in the Beaver Athletics & Wellness Center.
Penn State Berks started the first quarter with a balanced approach, capitalizing on outside shooting to keep the game competitive.
Annie Laubach connected on two early 3-pointers, helping the team match Haverford's scoring in the initial minutes. Defensive efforts included a block by
Abigail Pfander and a steal by
Jalyn Hann, contributing to maintaining the pace. However, Haverford found success in fast breaks, exploiting turnovers to create a scoring surge that pushed them ahead. By the end of the quarter, The Fords led 25-14, as the Nittany Lions managed to stay within reach but could not close the gap.
Berks faced a challenging second quarter as Haverford's defense created numerous turnovers. The Fords capitalized on these opportunities, scoring 14 points in the paint and 9 points on fast breaks. The Blue & White struggled to find their rhythm, managing only 2 field goals from 13 attempts, with
Hailey Miller contributing from the free-throw line. Despite efforts from
Gianna Roberts, who assisted
Annie Laubach in cutting the deficit with a layup at 5:30, Berks found it difficult to maintain momentum. The quarter concluded with Haverford extending their lead to 55-23, setting the stage for the final half.
The third quarter began with Haverford extending their lead through a 3-pointer by Caroline Orza at 9:47, setting the tone early. Berks struggled with turnovers, committing seven, which hindered their progress.
Gabrielle Merritt's steal at 8:20 provided a brief defensive highlight, but the home team faced challenges converting opportunities into points. Haverford capitalized on fast breaks and second-chance points, with Audrey Jakway's layup at 3:26 further increasing their advantage. The Blue & White managed to find the basket with a 3-pointer from McKinzie Tritz at 4:09, assisted by
Kiara Altine, but it wasn't enough to shift the momentum. The quarter concluded with Haverford maintaining control, leading 66-28.
In the fourth quarter, the Nittany Lions struggled to find the basket, making only one field goal from 14 attempts. The team capitalized on some opportunities at the free-throw line, with
Abigail Pfander and
Annie Laubach contributing three points. Defensively, Berks secured 12 rebounds, five of which were offensive, but turnovers hindered their ability to close the gap. Haverford extended their lead with efficient shooting, converting five of 13 field goals, including a 3-pointer by Bri Heafey at 4:39. They maintained control with strong rebounding and defense, accumulating 10 total rebounds and two blocks. The quarter closed with The Fords leading 82–34, as the Nittany Lions continued to battle defensively, but couldn't overcome the deficit.
Annie Laubach led the team by scoring 12 points, including three 3-pointers, and added one assist.
Hailey Miller contributed nine points and collected six rebounds.
Gianna Roberts recorded three assists and secured three rebounds. McKinzie Tritz tallied three points, hitting her only field goal attempt, and made one steal.
WHO'S NEXT
Berks will pause until the new year, facing Penn State Brandywine on Saturday, Jan. 3. The game is set for 3:30 p.m. at the Brandywine campus in Media, Pennsylvania.
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