WILKES-BARRE, PA (November 16, 2022) -- After a thrilling opening half that saw the Monarchs ahead, 26-24, a tough third quarter proved to be the difference as the King's College women's basketball team fell, 58-46, in McGrane Gymnasium to Montclair State University. With the loss in the non-conference contest, the Monarchs fall to 1-3 overall, while the Red Hawks improve to 2-1.
 
A slow offensive start in the opening period saw the score notched at eight a piece after the first 10 minutes of action. After a quick three from senior Cailin Wilson to start the second, Montclair State (2-1) went on a 12-1 run that saw King's (1-3) trailing, 20-12, with 5:35 to go in the half. Another three from Wilson put the Monarchs back on the board to spark a 6-0 rally of their own, and after trading possessions the Monarchs outscored the Red Hawks 6-2 down the stretch to hold the 26-24 lead heading into the locker room.
 
 The third quarter went to the visitors as the Red Hawks gained momentum out of the stoppage, building their 43-33 lead heading into the final quarter of play. The Monarchs battled in the opening minutes of the fourth, closing within seven, 53-46, on a three from first year Kathy Shepherd with 2:29 remaining, but King's could not convert on their final opportunities as Montclair State handed the Monarchs the loss, 58-46, on Wednesday night.
 
Wilson and Shepherd each posted 13 points in the loss, with Wilson adding a team-high four steals and Shepherd totaling four rebounds. Sophomore Lauren Casey added nine points, a team-high tying six boards, and three steals, while fist year Juleesah Hines collected caroms off the bench. First year Mackenzie Bennett dished out a team-high four assists with four rebound and five points for a solid effort off the pine, while both senior Sarah Heiskell-Mann and junior Caileigh Costello posted five rebounds a piece.
 
Montclair State was led by Nickie Carter with 25 points, seven steals, and six assists, while Olivia Vero totaled a team-best seven rebounds.
 
King's totaled 10 assists on their 16 field goals, and they won the battle on the boards, 30-29, with 11 offensive rebounds. The Monarchs also forced 17 turnovers and held the Red Hawks to 28.6 percent (4-14) shooting from beyond the arc.
 
The Monarchs will return to play this weekend as they travel to Wilkes University for the annual Cross County Challenge. King's will tip off against the University of Scranton on Saturday before facing Marywood University on Sunday, with both game times set for 1:00 p.m.