McKeesport, PA. – The Penn State Greater Allegheny Women’s Basketball team (1-0, 0-0) used a strong offensive attack to pick up a 96-47 win in their season opener against Butler County Community College (0-1, 0-0). Four different players finished in double digits and 10 of the team’s 12 active players got in on the scoring.
PSUGA had all the momentum right from the get go jumping out to an early 10-3 lead. Tearia Hartley (East Stroudsburg, PA./East Stroudsburg North HS) and Lexus Santiago (Pittsburgh, PA./Imani Christian Academy) were battling for the team lead in points all night long with each player quickly finding themselves in double digits.
PSUGA continued to dominate throughout the first half getting as far ahead as 45-17 before Santiago hit the final layup to send the teams into the locker room with PSUGA holding a 47-19 advantage. PSUGA played well when ahead last season and were looking for continued success in 2018-2019. Hartley and Santiago led the way with 10 points a piece and would keep that energy up throughout the night.
PSUGA kept their foot on the gas in the second half increasing their lead to 63-26 halfway through the third quarter. No matter who came into the game, they were able to contribute finding a way to get on the board. Tina Clybourn (Pittsburgh, Pa./Brashear HS) and Brandy Taylor (Pittsburgh, PA./Imani Christian Academy) got into double digits with a strong second half where they contributed seven and eight points respectively.
PSUGA had a full bench for the first time in over a year and used the five for five switches to their advantage to keep fresh legs on the court. All 12 players who dressed for PSUGA found their way into the game and 10 of those contributed to the 96 point attack and a season opening win.
Hartley and Santiago led the way finishing with 16 points a piece while Tina Clybourn ended up right behind them with 15 points. Santiago also played well on the defensive side of the ball leading the team with 10 rebounds while Hartley led the way with six assists. The 96 points falls just two shy of the single game record of 98 set back in 2016 and is the most points the women’s basketball team has scored since that date.
PSUGA will look to keep the momentum going when they take on United States Collegiate Athletic Association opponent Ave Maria on Wednesday November 7th at 7:30 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with a live stream also being available.