ALLENTOWN, PA — Penn State Berks fell to Cedar Crest, 80-58, at Lees Gymnasium, with 24 points scored off turnovers. The Falcons secured the win with a strong rebounding advantage, totaling 43 boards to the Blue & White's 30.

Berks started strong, with Annie Laubach scoring a fast-break jumper early in the quarter. The team demonstrated effective play in the paint, matching the Falcons with 8 points inside. A key highlight was Hailey Miller's three-pointer at 4:49, assisted by Laubach, which briefly gave the Nittany Lions the lead. However, the Blue & White faced challenges with turnovers, committing seven in the quarter, which the Falcons capitalized on with points off turnovers. Gabrielle Merritt contributed defensively with key rebounds, but Cedar Crest closed the quarter on a 7–2 run. The quarter ended with Cedar Crest leading 21-17.

The second quarter saw a key moment early as Reagan Thorp completed a three-point play, bringing the Lions within one.. Hailey Miller then tied the game with a three-pointer at 8:12, setting the stage for a competitive quarter. Cedar Crest responded with a 10-point run, extending their lead to 35–23. Despite a resilient effort from the Blue & White, including a jumper by Miller and consistent contributions from Annie Laubach, the home team capitalized on turnovers to maintain their advantage. The quarter concluded with the Falcons leading 47–30, following a late layup by Thorp. The team will look to regroup and close the gap in the upcoming quarters.

The Nittany Lions opened the third quarter with a strong defensive play as Gianna Roberts secured a steal at the 9:13 mark, leading to a successful jumper by Gabrielle Merritt. Merritt was instrumental throughout the quarter, contributing a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 51-38 with 5:51 remaining. Her performance was supported by Hailey Miller's layup shortly after a timeout, narrowing the Falcons' lead to 56-40. Annie Laubach contributed significantly in the final minutes, converting all four of her free throw attempts to maintain offensive pressure. Despite the Falcons' consistent scoring, including a fast-break three-pointer by Brooke Leonardi, the Nittany Lions managed to outscore the home team in the quarter. The third quarter ended with Cedar Crest holding a 63-49 lead.

The fourth quarter saw Berks attempting to close the gap with Cedar Crest. Gabrielle Merritt initiated the scoring with a layup assisted by Hailey Miller, followed by another successful jumper, reducing the deficit slightly. Despite this effort, the Falcons responded with a series of successful field goals, including two three-pointers by Ginger Kerdock, to maintain control of the game. Defensively, the Blue & White managed to force turnovers, with Annie Laubach and Abigail Pfander contributing steals. Pfander also added a layup and a free throw in the latter stages, aiding the team's scoring efforts. However, the Falcons' consistent rebounding and scoring solidified their lead. As the quarter concluded, Cedar Crest extended their lead, earning the 80-58.

Annie Laubach scored 15 points and recorded four assists, leading the team in field goals. Gabrielle Merritt added 13 points, including two 3-pointers, and collected six rebounds while registering two steals. Gianna Roberts contributed defensively with two steals and added three assists. Hailey Miller finished with 12 points and seven rebounds, converting two of her four 3-point attempts.

WHO'S NEXT
The Nittany Lions will host Gallaudet University on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 7:30 p.m. The match-up will take place in Reading, Pennsylvania.

FOLLOW US
Fans can keep up with Berks Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube using the handle @BerksAthletics.