WILKES-BARRE, PA (December 28, 2021) -- Senior Samantha Rajza recorded a double-double to lead four Monarchs in double figures as the King's College women's basketball team held on to defeat the visiting Moravian University Greyhounds, 84-76, on Tuesday evening in McGrane Gymnasium. The Monarchs improve to 7-4 overall, while the Greyhounds fall to 2-8 after the non-conference contest.

It was back-and-forth to start this game, but King's (7-4, 2-1 MAC Freedom) was able to separate down the stretch, holding a 27-16 advantage at the end of the opening quarter. The Monarchs continued to increase their advantage, leading by as much as 18, 51-33, in the second off a fast break layup from Rajza, before posting the halftime score, 53-37.

Moravian (2-8, 1-0 Landmark) chipped away at the Monarchs lead in the third, but the Monarchs defense would not allow the Greyhounds to pull within 10. Three good free throws before the end of the third from senior Emily Kriston saw the hosts ahead, 72-59, heading into the final quarter of play.

A three from Kriston broke a silent two-minute start to the final quarter, leading by 16, 75-59, with 7:46 to play. Moravian finally closed within single digits, trialing by eight, 79-71, on a layup from Kayla Yoegel with 43 seconds. The Greyhounds were forced to foul down the stretch, but the Monarchs connected on 5-of-6 from the charity stripe to secure the win, 84-76.

Rajza led all scorers with 27 points with five threes, adding 10 boards, four assists, three steals, and a block. Junior Emily Morano continued her strong play with 15 points, adding five rebounds and a team-high five assists. Kriston totaled 13 points, while sophomore Caileigh Costello posted a season-best 13 points in her first career start, shooting 4-of-6 from the field, with six caroms, two assists, and two steals.

Yoegel led three Greyhounds in double figures with 18 points, while Sam Osorio posted a double-double of 14 points and a game-high 16 rebounds. Morgan Amy dished out a team-high five assists in the loss.

King's shot 41.4 percent (24-58) from the field, including 45.5 percent (10-22) from beyond the arc, while holding Moravian to 16.7 percent (2-12) from three. The Monarchs shared the ball well, tallying 18 assists on 24 field goals, while the defense collected nine steals on 15 Greyhounds turnovers. The Monarchs won the battle inside the box score in points off turnovers (19-16).

The Monarchs are back in action to close out the 2021 and non-conference portion of their schedule as they take on the Giants of Keystone College on December 31 at 12:00 p.m. in McGrane Gymnasium.