Cresson, PA- The Mount Aloysius Women's Basketball team used a hot shooting first half to defeat Franciscan University 72-52, for their second consecutive win.

After allowing Franciscan to open the scoring, the Mounties went on a quick 7-0 run to go ahead early. Lea Sammarco (Patton, PA/Bishop Carroll) and Hannah Kitko (Houtzdale, PA/Moshannon Valley) both hit three-point shots around a Machala Gibbons (Cairnbrook, PA/Bishop McCort) free throw to take the lead, which they would not relinquish for the remainder of play. After taking the first period 24-14, the Mounties built on their lead in the second. The Mounties put up 20 more points in the 2nd, capped when Kitko hit a jumper with 4 seconds left in the half to put Mount Aloysius up 18. The Mounties shot an amazing 52.94% from the field in the half while also hitting 4 of their 7 attempted threes.

The Mounties continued to add to the lead in the third as they started the half on a 14-5 run, which was capped by another Sammarco three to set the lead at 29. They gave some points back in the 4th as Franciscan was able to cut the lead to 10 with 3:47 left. From there the Mounties clamped down on defense, allowing the Lady Barons to score only 2 more points for the remainder of the game.

Sammarco led the Mounties in scoring with 23 points. She made 8 of 11 shots from the field including 5 of 7 from down town. The Mounties were also able to record two doubles-doubles. Breana Kendrick (Broad Top City, PA/Tussey Mountain) was able to finish with 15 points while hauling in 10 rebounds. Gibbons scored 12 while dishing out 10 assists and committing 0 turnovers. Kitko also finished in double figures with 11 points while Macy King (New Bethlehem, PA/Redbank Valley) grabbed 10 rebounds including 4 on the offensive end.

The win moves the Mounties to 2-6 with a 2-1 record in conference play. They will hit the road this weekend, as they travel to Buffalo, NY to take on the defending conference champion Hilbert Hawks on Saturday.