Harrisburg, PA– The St. Mary’s College of Maryland women’s basketball team (7-7) was able to squeak past in-conference opponent Penn State Harrisburg (9-5) this afternoon (Jan. 22) This was the Seahawks’ seventh conference game of 2021-22. The final score was 66-59, improving the Seahawks’ United East record to 5-2.
How It Happened
- Cassidy Kupchinskas and Stephanie Howell provided the offensive spark in the opening quarter of play for the Seahawks. Kupchinskas scored eight points, connecting on two three-pointers, while Howell contributed five points and four rebounds. The Seahawks trailed the Nittany Lions by one going into the first break, 16-15. St. Mary’s was able to shoot 35.7% from the field and 50% from behind the arc to start the game.
- The Seahawks and Nittany Lions continued to go back and forth in the second quarter of play, both scoring 13 points a piece. Cassidy Kupchinskas led all scorers going into the halftime locker room, picking up 13 first half points. Karon Williams made her presence felt all over the court for the Seahawks, dishing out four assists, collecting three rebounds, and adding a steal to the box score. A couple of inopportune fouls by the Seahawks allowed the Nittany Lions to lead 29-28 after two quarters played.
- St. Mary’s was able to have their most productive and efficient quarter of the game coming out of the halftime break, shooting 52.9% from the field and a perfect 100% from behind the three-point line. Howell continued to impress with her offensive performance, as well as her rebounding ability. Howell led all players with eight rebounds going into the final quarter of play. The Seahawks were able to capture the lead going into the final 10 minutes of play,outscoring Penn State Harrisburg 24-19 in the third quarter.
- The Seahawks were able to hold off the Nittany Lions in a very competitive fourth quarter of action. Penn State Harrisburg was able to go on a late five point run to cut the Seahawk lead to just three with about one minute left in regulation. Anna Mahan was the main catalyst of the Nittany Lion run. The Seahawks were able to answer with a Karon Williams free-throw to make it a two possession game. Cassidy Kupchinskas successfully sealed the game shortly after with a pair of made free-throws with 35 seconds left. St. Mary’s was able to lean on their three-point shooting throughout the game thanks to a season best seven made long balls. The Seahawks were able to hang on 66-59.
Inside the Box Score
- Karon Williams put together a very well rounded performance with nine points, eight assists, and six rebounds
- Cassidy Kupchinskas finished with a season best seven made three-pointers and led all Seahawks with 22 points.
- Stephanie Howell hustled for a team high 12 rebounds and also contributed 15 points in the contest
Up Next
St. Mary’s College Women’s Basketball will return to action this Tuesday, January 25th when they travel to Gallaudet University for a 7:00 PM tip-off.