WILKES-BARRE, PA (November 20, 2022) -- King's outscored Marywood, 33-31 in the second half, but their comeback efforts came up just short as the King's College women's basketball team fell in a tight contest, 67-61, to Marywood on day two of the Cross County Challenge in Wilkes University's Marts Center. The Monarchs head into the holiday break with a 1-4 overall record, while the Pacers improve to 4-1.
 
It was a closely contested opening period, as Marywood (4-1) held the three-point lead, 16-13, at the end of the first. A steal and score from first year Gianna Dickson on the first play of the second quarter pulled King's (1-4) within one, 16-15, but the Pacers scored the next eight points in the game before a jumper from senior Cailin Wilson with 5:26 to go in the half put a stop to the Marywood run. Each time Marywood converted for points, King's had a response down the stretch as the Monarchs trailed, 36-28, at the half.
 
The third quarter turned into a gritty battle. Each time it appeared as though Marywood would run away with the game, King's would find a way to work themselves back in as they trailed by 10, 54-44, heading into the final quarter of play. A quick 7-2 spurt to start the fourth, fueled by five points from first year Juleesah Hines, inched King's within five, 56-51, with 7:37 left on the game clock. Three Pacers points increased the Monarchs' deficit, but a jumper and free throw from junior Caileigh Costello paired with a three by sophomore Alli Lindsay after getting her own offensive rebound saw King's down by just two, 59-57, with 2:59 to go.
 
King's had a few great looks down the stretch, but Marywood would come up with the clutch plays to secure the win and hand King's the 67-61 loss on the second day of the Cross County Challenge on Sunday afternoon.
 
Lindsay led King's off the bench with 15 points in just 10 minutes of action, going 5-for-9 from the field and 4-of-7 from three, adding four boards and a team-high four assists. Wilson tacked on 12 points with three assists, while junior Kiersten Krouse added nine points, three assists, and a team-best four steals. Sophomore Lauren Casey led King's with eight boards, while senior Sarah Heiskell-Mann collected five caroms.

Krouse also picked All-Tournament Team honors from the weekend for her 15 points, five rebounds, four steals, and three assists while leading the defensive efforts for the Monarchs. Maywood's Abby McGee, Wilkes' Erin Shober, and Scranton's Bridget Monaghan also earned All-Tournament Team accolades, while Scranton's Hannah Angelina was named the Cross County Challenge MVP.
 
Abbey McGee tallied a team-high 21 points to lead the Pacers, adding six assists, while Olivia Ciullo recorded a double-double of 16 points and 11 boards with two blocks.
 
As a team, the Monarchs edged out the Pacers in rebounds, 42-38, and forced 14 Marywood turnovers. King's also dished out 17 assists on 23 field goals in the game. Additionally, the Monarchs held the advantage in second chance points (10-8), fast break points (18-2), and bench points (30-11).
 
The Monarchs will enjoy the week off for the holiday break before returning to play on Sunday, November 27 as they open Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom (MAC Freedom) play. King's will travel up the mountain to Dallas, Pa. to take on Misericordia University at 5:00 p.m. in the Anderson Center.