WILLIAMSPORT, PA (November 20, 2019) -- The King's College women's basketball team shot 43.5 percent from the field for the game as three Monarchs recorded double-figures, but the efforts were not enough as Lycoming handed King's their first loss of the season, 88-82.

The entire game was a back-and-forth battle that saw 12 ties and nine lead changes. In the first quarter, sophomore Emily Kriston scored the first point for the Monarchs on a free throw before the teams began trading baskets. The Warriors held the lead after each time the Monarchs tied the score as they led after one, 19-17. King's regained the lead after not pulling ahead since the first basket of the game as sophomore Samantha Rajza connected on a three-pointer in transition to put the Monarchs ahead one, 24-23. Lycoming responded to claim the lead and build a five-point cushion, 37-32, with 1:44 left in the half, but a three-pointer from senior Kayla Dillinger and a layup by Rajza tied the score, 37-37, into the half time locker room.

Lycoming started the second half strong, scoring seven straight and building their lead, 44-37, to force a King's timeout. The Monarchs inched their way back, eventually pulling within one, 52-51, on a jumper by senior Mackenzie Yori with 3:26 left in the quarter. Lycoming used a 6-4 run over the remainder of the quarter to hold their lead, 58-55. 

The fourth quarter started strong for the Monarchs as they usd a 6-2 run to take the lead for the first time since the second quarter, 64-62, to force a Lycoming timeout. Then over the next 5:46 the game saw four ties and three lead changes with Lycoming with the lead, 74-71, with 2:07 remaining. Then two straight empty possessions for the Monarchs and two Lycoming scores built the Warriors lead, 76-71, with 1:28 left to force a Monarchs timeout. King's was forced to press and foul, allowing Lycoming to build a 10-point lead, 84-74, with 24.0 seconds left. Despite a Kriston layup and two Yori three-pointers, including one at the final buzzer, Lycoming held on to post the final, 88-82.

Seniors Rebecca Prociak and Yori led the Monarchs, as Prociak totaled 25 points and seven rebounds and Yori added 23. Rajza was the other lone Monarch in double-digits with 15, adding seven rebounds, and a team-high four assists and two steals.

As a team, the Monarchs hot shooting fell short. King's connected on 30-of-69 from the field, dishing out 12 assists and pulling down 34 boards. King's out-scored the Warriors in points off turnovers (18-12) and fast break points (19-18), and they were even on points in the paint with 40 each.

King's is back in action this weekend as they host the Cross County Challenge in McGrane Gymnasium. The Monarchs will host #5 The University of Scranton on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. and Marywood University on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.