Harrison Lilley

Photo Editor

hjl5363@psu.edu

ALFRED, NY – In a thrilling Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) showdown on Wednesday, January 17, the Penn State Behrend women’s basketball team secured a hard-fought victory against Alfred State, with standout performances from Morgan Altavilla and Rachel Majewski.

The final score reflected the Lions’ dominance, with Penn State Behrend emerging victorious at 90, while Alfred State trailed at 78. The win boosted Penn State Behrend’s record to an impressive 9-6 overall and a stellar 7-1 in the AMCC, underlining their prowess in collegiate women’s basketball. On the other side, Alfred State’s record now stands at 3-13 overall and 2-7 in the AMCC.

The key moments of the game showcased the outstanding abilities of Altavilla and Majewski. Altavilla, hailing from Pittsburgh, PA (Baldwin), led the charge with a game-high 34 points and secured a team-best eight rebounds. Notably, Altavilla’s contribution was pivotal in the fourth quarter, where she scored 11 crucial points, breaking a 69-all tie with 9:22 remaining in the game.

Majewski, representing Erie, PA (Villa Maria Academy), matched Altavilla’s brilliance by tallying an impressive 33 points. Their combined efforts propelled the Lions to outscore the Pioneers 24-10 in the final 10 minutes, ultimately sealing the victory. The Lions displayed resilience and skill, going on a 10-1 run in the last 4:44 of the game to secure their triumph on the road.

The Lions established a double-digit lead in the first quarter and reached their largest lead of the game with seven minutes left in the second quarter. Despite Alfred State’s commendable three-point shooting, going 11-for-19 at 57.9 percent, Penn State Behrend’s overall performance proved decisive.

Crucially, the Lions capitalized on turnovers, scoring an impressive 36 points off Alfred State’s 30 turnovers while committing only 11 themselves. Alexis Furyes from Medina, OH (Highland) made significant contributions, securing seven rebounds, three blocks, three steals, and two assists.

As a team, the Lions showcased their efficiency, shooting 45.1 percent from the floor, while Alfred State managed 44.3 percent. The game remained closely contested, with the Pioneers utilizing a 5-0 run in the final 1:20 of the third quarter to gain a two-point lead heading into the final period.

Majewski and Altavilla, however, responded emphatically, each contributing a three-pointer around a free throw by Anna Merry to regain the lead within the first minute of the fourth quarter. This dynamic duo’s stellar performances ensured Penn State Behrend stayed ahead for good, solidifying their position as a formidable force in the AMCC.

The Lions’ victory showcased not only individual brilliance but also effective team coordination and strategic gameplay, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their future matchups in the conference.