Lions Get Redemption in 70-61 Win Against Pitt-Greensburg
by Christina Roukas
ALTOONA, Pa. – The Penn State Altoona's women's basketball team redeemed itself from a loss against Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference opponent Pitt-Greensburg earlier this season, defeating the Bobcats 70-61 on Wednesday evening.
Wednesday's game was special for the Lions (6-16, 5-9 AMCC), who celebrated senior Alexis Cannistraci (Tyrone, PA/Tyrone) in a pregame Senior Night ceremony. In her team's big win in her last home game, Cannistraci put up a total of 14 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.
The win over Pitt-Greensburg (15-5, 10-3 AMCC), which entered the night as the second place team in the AMCC standings, also keeps Penn State Altoona's conference postseason tournament hopes alive.
From the early in the game, the Lions secured the lead and held on. Leading by three halfway through the first quarter, Penn State Altoona had a nine-point run that gave the Lions an 18-6 lead with 2:53 left in the period. The Lions ended the first quarter ahead 19-10.
The Lions hustled in the second quarter to hold on to their lead, but the Pitt-Greensburg offense came back, putting up 18 points in the period and lowering their deficit to as little as 30-28. The Lions ultimately ended the first half up 32-28.
In the third quarter, Lions continued to hold on to the lead and expanded it to 51-43 by the period's end. In the fourth, the Bobcats picked things up and lowered their deficit to 54-53 on a Melina Maietta three-pointer at 6:39, then went up by one following a steal and two free throws by Nadege Durand that made it 55-54 at 6:18. However, the Lions answered right back by taking the lead, 61-55.
In the final minute, it was neck-and-neck between the teams, with the Lions leading 64-61. But Emma Kitko (Houtzdale, PA/Moshannon Valley) made a jumper with 44 seconds left that gave Penn State Altoona some breathing room, and the Lions came out victorious by a final score of 70-61.
Sarah Huston (Coatesville, PA/Coatesville) led all players in points, rebounds, and assists, finishing with career-highs with 26 points and 13 rebounds, dishing out six assists, and also recording a team-high three steals and blocking one shot. Kitko contributed 12 points, six rebounds, and a steal.
Emily Marines (Nanty Glo, PA/Blacklick Valley) added seven points and five rebounds, Megan Hartman (Claysburg, PA/Claysburg-Kimmel) also scored seven points, and Emily Munson (New Hartford, CT/Northwestern Regional) grabbed six rebounds and scored four points.
The Penn State Altoona women's basketball team is scheduled to play its next game this Saturday, February 12 on the road against AMCC opponent Hilbert College. Tipoff is set for 1:00 p.m.
