MARIETTA, Ohio – The Marietta women's basketball team defeated Penn State Behrend 77-57 in the first round of the 32nd annual Jim Meagle Turkey Shootout sponsored by BSN Sports on Saturday evening.

The Pioneers (4-1), who held a two-point lead at halftime, outscored the Lions (1-4) 42-24 in the second half to advance to the championship game of the tournament. Amisha Herd led all scorers with 20 points and nine rebounds.

Katie Chess (Bethel Park, PA/Bethel Park) paced Behrend with 16 points, going 6-for-7 from the free-throw line and grabbing a team-best eight rebounds.

Marietta took a 16-13 edge into the second quarter that saw four lead changes starting with the Lions getting their first lead at 25-23 with 4:28 left to play after a jump shot from Fontaine Glenn (West Sunbury, PA/Moniteau). The Pioneers sank a three-pointer for a quick one-point lead until Glenn put Behrend ahead once again with a jumper at 27-26.

Heidi Langhorst (Corapolis, PA/Our Lady of the Sacred Heart) drained the last three baskets for six points to keep it at a two-point game at halftime.

After the break, Marietta went on a 19-2 run in just a little under seven minutes and holding Behrend scoreless for nearly six minutes to take a commanding 56-35 lead.

The Lions could not recover from the third quarter but managed to cut the lead to seven points at 59-52 with 7:36 left in the fourth period. The Pioneers mimicked their defense from the third quarter and only allowed two more field goals from that point on to win their fourth game of the season.

Langhorst finished with 10 points and Erika Woll (Erie, PA/Mercyhurst Prep) contributed seven points and four assists.

Behrend will face the loser of Bethany and North Carolina Wesleyan tomorrow in the consolation game at 1 p.m.