MEADVILLE, Pa. – The Allegheny women's basketball team battled against Washington and Jefferson Saturday (Jan. 4), but ultimately fell to the Presidents 66-59 in Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) action.
 
The Gators started out the game on a 5-0 run, but the Presidents scored six straight to take the lead. A three pointer by Emily Lauer (Knox, Pa./Keystone) put the Gators back in front before the game was tied at eight. In the final minutes of the first quarter, the teams went back-and-forth as the Presidents led 14-12.
 
The Presidents opened the second on a 10-0 run to move ahead, 24-12. After a timeout, the Gators pulled within four points following a three by Jasmyn Fisher (Pittsburgh, Pa./Woodland Hills), but the Presidents pushed their lead to 33-21 at the break.
 
Lauer and Jess Bickart (Cranberry Township, Pa./Seneca Valley) had five points apiece in the first half while Bella Antonacci (Indiana, Pa./Indiana Area) had six rebounds. 
 
Throughout the third quarter the teams continued to trade baskets back-and-forth as Washington and Jefferson slowly pushed their lead to 13 points, 53-40, heading into the final frame.
 
Allegheny made up some ground early in the fourth off a 9-2 run. Lauer had five points in that run while Sarah Santicola (Moon Township, Pa./Moon Area) had the other four. Later, a three by Sofia Genareo (Lakewood, N.Y./Southwestern Central) made it a five-point contest, 61-56, with two-and-half minutes to go. Lauer would make a layup to bring the lead to three moments later.
 
The score remained 61-58 in the final minute. However, the Presidents converted five-of-six free throws to hold on for the PAC victory.
 
Inside the Box

• Lauer led the team with 24 points, her fifth game of the year with 20 or more. She also had four rebounds.
• Santicola was also in double digits with 10 points to go alongside seven rebounds and three blocks.
• Genareo had eight points and four rebounds.
• Antonacci finished with seven points, nine rebounds and three assists.
• Bickart added six points with six rebounds and four assists.
• Ava Kobus (Pittsburgh, Pa./Norwin) grabbed five rebounds.
• The Presidents held a small rebounding edge, 41-40. 

News and Notes

• The loss marked their first in PAC play this season, falling to 5-1 in conference play. 
• Allegheny is now 16-24 all-time against the Presidents.
• Lauer recorded 20 points for the third straight game. 

Up Next
The Gators are back in action Monday (Jan. 6) at Grove City.