WILKES-BARRE, PA – The King's College women's basketball team fell to Lebanon Valley College, 73–66, on Tuesday evening in McGrane Gymnasium in the MAC Freedom opener.

Lebanon Valley built an early advantage by outscoring the Monarchs in the opening two quarters, taking a 33–20 lead into halftime. King's struggled to find a rhythm offensively in the first half, but responded with a strong showing coming out of the break.

The Monarchs turned the momentum in the third quarter, outscoring the Flying Dutchmen 26–17. King's shot 50 percent from the field in the frame and knocked down a pair of three-pointers to trim the deficit to four heading into the final 10 minutes. Cadie Lewis and Gianna Dickson helped spark the rally as the Monarchs worked their way back into the game.

Lebanon Valley regained control in the fourth quarter, holding off the King's push with timely baskets down the stretch. Despite being outscored in the final period, the Monarchs continued to battle until the closing seconds.

Lauren Casey led King's with 21 points and 11 rebounds, recording a double-double. Claire Aufiero added 11 points and a team-high 14 rebounds, while Gianna Dickson finished with 12 points. Taylor Hough chipped in seven points off the bench, and Cadie Lewis contributed eight points and eight assists.

King's shot 37.5 percent from the field and went 15-for-20 from the free throw line, while forcing 14 turnovers on the defensive end.

The Monarchs return to action on Saturday, January 10, when they travel to FDU-Florham for a 1:00 p.m. conference matchup.

--MONARCHS--