Lions Hang On For Program’s 500th Victory

ERIE, Pa. – Four Penn State Behrend women's basketball players scored in double figures, helping the Lions defeat D'Youville 76-65 in Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) action on Wednesday night.

The 11-point victory marked the program's 500th victory since the inaugural season in 1976-77.

After a slow start, Behrend was finally able to pull away from the Spartans in the opening stanza.  By the 8:32 mark, the Lions had built up a 10-point lead and were up by 18 at the break.

The Lions controlled the game for most of the second half.  After Julia Myers (Edinboro, PA/General McLane) cashed in a free throw at the 6:47 mark, Behrend seemingly had the game in hand with a 20-point advantage.  D'Youville made things interesting though, scoring 12 straight to cut the deficit to just eight with less than four minutes to play.

The Spartans continued to apply the pressure and after answering two Holly Bourquin (Pittsburgh, PA/Fox Chapel) free-throws with a layup, D'Youville still had life.  The dagger came on Behrend's next possession.  Aly Eagle (Harmony, PA/Seneca Valley) stole all the momentum with a clutch three from the corner to put the Lions up by 11.  The Spartans never got closer than nine over the final two minutes, helping the Lions get back in the win column.

Brianna Bayly (Imperial, PA/West Allegheny) led Behrend with 18 points and six rebounds.  Myers contributed 17 points and a game-high nine rebounds.  Natalie Corso (Moon Township, PA/Moon) scored in double figures, netting 12 points on four threes.  Bourquin chipped in 11 points.

The Lions will be back in action on Saturday at Mt. Aloysius.  Tip-off is set for 1 p.m.