WILKES-BARRE, PA (November 19, 2022) -- After battling through the first 20 minutes of play and trailing by just 32-24, second half woes proved costly as the King's College women's basketball team was downed, 80-42, by #10/#12 University of Scranton on the opening day of the Cross County Challenge. The Monarchs now stand at 1-4 overall, while the Lady Royals remain undefeated at 4-0.
 
King's (1-4) went toe-to-toe with Scranton (4-0) through the opening quarter as a three by junior Kiersten Krouse saw the Monarchs trailing by just one, 12-11, at the end of the first. After King's tied the game again at 16 a piece with 8:01 left in the half, this time off a three from first year Kathy Shepherd, the Lady Royals closed out the half on a 16-8 run as the Monarchs trailed, 32-24 at the break.
 
The Lady Royals came out of the break with momentum and never looked back as King's fell, 80-42, in the non-conference contest on Saturday afternoon in the Marts Center.
 
First year Gianna Dickson led King's with 11 points off the bench, connected on 5-of-11 field goal attempts, while making a team-best two steals. Fellow first year Kathy Shepherd continued her strong play with eight points and five boards, while both Brenna and Caileigh Costello also collected five caroms.
 
Kaci Kranson paced Scranton with 19 points, while Hannah Angelini totaled a team-high seven rebounds, and Samantha Rajza totaled team-bests of six assists and five steals.
 
King's defense held Scranton to just 29.4 percent (5-17) shooting from beyond the arc and forced 10 Scranton turnovers.
 
The Monarchs will have a quick turn around as they take on Marywood University on the closing day of the Cross County Challenge. Tip off is set for 1:00 p.m. at Wilkes University's Marts Center.