Lions fall in season opener to Berkeley Knights

Hazleton, Pa. - The Nittany Lions Women's Basketball team kicked off their season on Friday night in the Dr. Thomas M. Caccese Gymnasium against Berkeley College of Ny. Hazleton hung with the Knights for the first 20 minutes of action but were out-shot in the second half by Berekely who connected on 24 of 40 attempts compared to just eight total field goals in the final 20 minutes for Hazleton. 

Hazleton scored the game's first eight points but were unable to increase their cushion as the Berkely defense clamped down on the Lions' shooters. Hazleton would be held scoreless in the final five minutes of the quarter but managed to keep within three points of the Knights heading in the second period. There, fourth year player Azaria Johnson notched nine points for the Lions but both squads would trade buckets and Berkely took a 30-25 advantage into the halftime break. As play continued, the Berkeley Knights began to connect from the field as the Hazleton offense stalled out in the third. Berekely totaled 30 points in the frame, getting scores from seven different players to pull away from the Lions who went just 5 for 19 in the quarter. The Knight's nursed a 20 point cushion for much of the fourth period, ultimately extending that lead to an 84-52 win at the end of the fourth. 

On a tough shooting night for the Lions, Hazleton was led by Johnson who was the most efficient player on the floor, going 5-for-7 from the field and 8-of-9 from the charity stripe to finish with 18 points. Second year Brianna Kennedy totaled 15 points on the night and led the field with 15 rebounds while second year Topaz Williams-Fripp cracked double figures with 11 points respectively. 

Hazleton continues non-conference play on Monday, November 11 when the Lions travel to the University of Valley Forge for a 7:00 p.m. matchup.