MEADVILLE, Pa. – The Allegheny women's basketball team used a balanced effort to defeat Grove City 72-67 in Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) action Wednesday (Jan. 14) in Meadville.
 
The teams were even early on as the Gators held a 7-6 lead at the first media timeout. After the timeout, the Gators went on an 13-4 run, featuring a pair of threes by Isabella Antonacci (Indiana, Pa./Indiana Area), as they grew their advantage to 10 points, 20-10.
 
Allegheny took a 22-14 lead into the second quarter. They increased it to 30-14 following an 8-2 run to begin the frame. The Gators continued to shoot well as they went into the halftime break with a 40-25 lead.
 
Antonacci netted 13 points in the opening half, making a trio of threes, while Ava Kobus (Pittsburgh, Pa./Norwin) made a pair of threes. As a team, the Gators hit six three pointers and shot 48.6% from the floor (17-of-35). They also owned a 23-14 advantage in rebounds.
 
The Wolverines bounced back early in the second half, starting the third on an 8-0 run. Jess Bickart (Cranberry Township, Pa./Seneca Valley) hit a pair of shots right before the media timeout as the Gators led 47-41 with four minutes left in the third. The Gators would finish the frame on a 12-6 run, with eight points by Kobus, to take a 59-47 lead into the final quarter.
 
Grove City cut into the lead with a 5-0 run to begin the fourth. The contest remained tight the rest of the way as Allegheny maintained a 69-62 lead into the final minute.
 
The Allegheny advantage was dropped to five points following a pair of Wolverine free throws. After a turnover, Grove City hit a three to make it 69-67 with 30 seconds remaining. 
 
Antonacci converted a pair of free throws moments later. The Gators made a defensive stop on the ensuing possession before adding another free throw to collect the PAC victory.
 
Inside the Box

• Kobus tied a season-high with 20 points to go with four rebounds and two blocks.
• Antonacci ended the contest with 19 points, six rebounds and four assists.
• Bickart had 12 points, five assists and three rebounds.
• Eyra Co (Manila, Philippines/Pike Christian Academy (Ohio)) produced seven points, five rebounds and three assists.
• Sarah Santicola (Moon Township, Pa./Moon Area) grabbed 13 rebounds with four assists and two blocks.
• The Gators shot 44.8% (30-of-67) from the field and owned a 39-30 advantage in rebounds.  

News and Notes

• Allegheny is now 31-18 all-time against Grove City 

Up Next
The Gators are back on the road Saturday (Jan. 17) as they travel to Saint Vincent.