WILKES-BARRE, PA (November 21, 2023) -- The King's College women's basketball team dropped a 69-43 decision to the visiting Wilkes University in non-conference play on Tuesday night in McGrane Gymnasium. The Monarchs head into the holiday weekend 2-3 overall, while the Colonels remain unbeaten at 3-0.
 
After a slow start, Wilkes (3-0) got on the board with a 6-0 spurt with 7:04 to go in the quarter. The teams traded possessions as King's (2-3) pulled within three, 11-8, on a three from Kathy Shepherd, but the Colonels controlled the pace heading into the first break leading 20-10. Wilkes continued to maintain their edge and manage the pace of the game as the Monarchs faced a 34-22 halftime deficit.
 
King's hung tough in the final 30 minutes of the contest, but the visiting Wilkes never looked back in the half as the Monarchs dropped the 69-43 decision in McGrane Gymnasium on Tuesday night.
 
Gianna Dickson led the Monarchs with 10 points on 4-for-9 shooting, while Caileigh Costello collected eight rebounds to go with four points. Juleesah Hines pulled down seven boards, while Brenna Costello added six and six tallies. Cadie Lewis dished out a team-high five helpers and grabbed three steals as well for the Monarchs, while Brandy Varner posted six points off the bench.
 
Yamirelis Matos paced Wilkes with 16 points and four steals, while Madison Robel collected 11 rebounds. Erin Shober blocked four shots, while Julia Marino handed out five helpers.
 
King's connected for 13 baskets in the game with nine assists and pulled down 49 rebounds. The defensive effort held the Colonels to 27.8 percent (5-18) from beyond the arc and forced 13 turnovers.
 
The Monarchs will be off for the holiday weekend before returning to play on Sunday afternoon, hosting Penn State Harrisburg in non-conference play at 1:00 p.m.