READING, Pa. — Penn St.-Berks (2-9, 1-1 United East) fell to Lancaster Bible (4-7, 2-0 United East), 69-53, at the Beaver Athletics & Wellness Center. The Chargers capitalized on fast breaks, scoring 23 points in transition.

Penn State Berks opened the first quarter with a scoring drive led by Annie Laubach, who converted a three-point play at 7:21 to get her team on the board. The home team managed to find rhythm midway through, with Gabrielle Merritt contributing a jumper and Hailey Miller securing an offensive rebound that led to a successful layup at 3:59. Despite these efforts, the Nittany Lions faced challenges with turnovers and missed opportunities from close range.

The Chargers capitalized on these opportunities, establishing an early lead with effective shooting and defensive pressure. Key plays included Rachel Nolt's 3-pointer and Emma Christner's converted layup, which extended their lead. Berks concluded the quarter with a layup from Abigail Pfander, cutting the deficit slightly, ending the first quarter down 18-12.

Berks initiated the second quarter by capitalizing on opportunities in the paint, with Hailey Miller contributing significant points through key layups. Despite their efforts, the Chargers maintained their lead with efficient shooting, including multiple 3-pointers, and sustained their advantage with consistent scoring.

Gabrielle Merritt was active defensively, securing rebounds and assisting in maintaining possession, while Jalyn Hann added momentum with a successful fast-break layup and free throw. The quarter concluded with Berks narrowing the gap slightly, closing with a score of 36-26, still trailing the Chargers.

The third quarter began with the Chargers extending their lead through quick transitions and effective scoring in the paint. Berks responded with defensive plays, including a crucial steal by Laubach, but struggled to convert opportunities consistently. Hailey Miller contributed with a layup at 7:32, assisted by Laubach, as the team attempted to close the gap.

Despite efforts from the Blue & White, including a 3-pointer from Kiara Altine, the Chargers maintained control with continued scoring and defensive rebounds. The quarter ended with Berks trailing, as the Chargers led 55-37.

The Nittany Lions showed resilience in the fourth quarter despite a challenging start. Hailey Miller scored early, assisted by Abbie Groy, to narrow the gap slightly. Gabrielle Merritt contributed defensively with a key block and rebound, and Laubach added a jumper, keeping the team competitive.

Halfway through the quarter, Miller capitalized on a steal with a fast-break layup to maintain momentum. Gianna Roberts and Altine added points from the free-throw line and under the basket, respectively. Despite efforts, the Chargers' lead remained substantial.

The quarter closed with McKinzie Tritz securing an offensive rebound and a subsequent layup, narrowing the score. However, Berks was unable to overcome the Chargers by the final buzzer, with the quarter ending 69–53 in favor of the Chargers.

Hailey Miller led the team with 19 points, converting eight field goals, including a 3-pointer. Gabrielle Merritt recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds and added four points, two steals, and two blocks. Laubach contributed eight points and three steals before fouling out. Altine added seven points, making three of her five field goal attempts, including one from beyond the arc.

WHO'S NEXT?
In their next game, Penn St.-Berks will host Haverford College on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. at their home venue in Reading, Pennsylvania.

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