By: Frank Maira, Assistant Director of Athletics/Sports Information Director

Mont Alto, Pa. - Penn State Mont Alto had two players reach double figures, but were unable to shake off a sluggish opening half falling to Penn State Lehigh Valley 75-54 on Tuesday.

Lehigh Valley rattled off a 16-5 run to begin the game as it was capped off by a Hannah Bankes three-pointer at the 3:35 mark of the opening quarter. Mont Alto wasn't able to do much better in the second quarter shooting 4-of-17 (23.5%) from the field as it went into the halftime break trailing 37-15.

The Lions came out of the break energized especially on the defensive end forcing eight third quarter turnovers. The tough defense led to several Mont Alto chances on the offensive side of the floor as it outscored Lehigh Valley 22-14 and cut the deficit to 16 points (51-37) going into the fourth quarter.

PSU Mont Alto was unable to cut the deficit to single digits as Lehigh Valley coasted to the 75-54 win. Abigail Herring finished tied for a game-high 18 points on 7-of-20 shooting. Herring also recorded the double-double finishing with 10 rebounds. Shelly Trumpower came off the Lions bench finishing with 10 points.

With the loss, Mont Alto falls to 11-13 overall and 5-8 in PSUAC play. Mont Alto will travel to Penn State York on Friday for a 6 p.m. tip-off.