CRESSON, Pa. — On a day dedicated to senior Molly Richards (Naples, Fla., Naples), the Mount Aloysius women's basketball team battled one of the top teams in the conference before dropping an 83-71 decision to Penn State Behrend on Saturday afternoon in Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference action at the Athletic Convocation & Wellness Center.
Mount Aloysius (10-15, 8-8 AMCC) came out firing, shooting 70 percent from the field in the opening quarter to claim a 19-16 lead after one. Annalyn Isaacs (Harmony, Pa., Mars) connected on three early 3-pointers, helping the Mounties set the tone offensively.
The game featured four ties and three lead changes, and the Mounties stayed within striking distance throughout the first half. A balanced scoring effort and strong interior play kept the contest tight heading into the break, with Mount Aloysius trailing just 40-37 at halftime.
In the second half, the visitors used a strong third quarter to create separation, but the Mounties continued to respond. Mount Aloysius won the fourth quarter 15-14 and cut the deficit late as it looked to rally.
Molly Kosmack (Homer City, Pa., Homer-Center) led the Mounties with a dominant double-double, finishing with 19 points and 11 rebounds while adding four assists. Mackenzie Barr (Pittsburgh, Pa., Shaler) added 14 points and six rebounds, while Isaacs finished with 11 points.
Richards, honored in a pregame Senior Day ceremony, played a team-high 38 minutes and contributed five assists, three rebounds and two points from the free-throw line. The senior's leadership anchored the Mounties throughout the afternoon.
Off the bench, Brionna Brown (Cranberry Township, Pa., Seneca Valley) scored 10 points, and Ashlie Weaver (Schellsburg, Pa., Chestnut Ridge) added six as Mount Aloysius totaled 22 bench points.
The Mounties shot 46.3 percent from the field and outrebounded the visitors 32-26, including 10 offensive rebounds. Mount Aloysius also held a 34-30 edge in points in the paint.
Despite the final margin, the Mounties' effort against the conference leaders showcased their competitiveness as they head into the playoffs.