WILKES-BARRE, PA (February 14, 2026) — The King's College women's basketball team came up just short on Senior Day, falling 66–62 to Delaware Valley University in a MAC Freedom matchup Saturday afternoon inside McGraneGymnasium. Despite a slow start, the Monarchs turned in an impressive second-half performance and made it a one-possession game in the closing minutes before the Aggies held on for the win.

Delaware Valley controlled the early tempo, holding King's to just seven points in the opening quarter to take an 11–7 lead. The Aggies continued to limit the Monarchs' offensive rhythm in the second period, extending the advantage with a 12–9 frame to carry a 23–16 lead into halftime.

King's came out of the locker room with renewed energy and delivered its best stretch of the game in the third quarter. The Monarchs erupted for 26 points in the period, shooting 56.3 percent from the field and 57.1 percent from three-point range. A 10–2 run midway through the quarter, sparked by three-pointers from Cadie Lewis and Gianna Dickson, gave King's its first lead of the afternoon. The Monarchs closed the quarter on a 7–2 run to take a 42–40 advantage into the final 10 minutes.

The fourth quarter turned into a back-and-forth battle, with Delaware Valley regaining control behind a strong offensive push. The Aggies shot over 90 percent from the field in the period and built a lead as large as 12 with just over four minutes remaining. King's refused to go away, responding with a late run of its own to cut the deficit to just four points with under a minute to play. The Monarchs had multiple chances to make it a one-possession game, but Delaware Valley converted key free throws and defensive stops to seal the victory.

Lauren Casey led King's with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists in a strong all-around performance. Cadie Lewis added 15 points, eight rebounds, and five assists while playing all 40 minutes, and Gianna Dickson finished with 12 points, including a pair of three-pointers. Claire Aufiero recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, anchoring the Monarchs on the glass.

As a team, King's shot 36.1 percent from the field and 27.8 percent from three-point range, while forcing 14 turnovers and winning the rebounding battle 40–39. The Monarchs outscored Delaware Valley 46–43 in the second half and showed strong resilience after trailing by double digits in the first half.

Despite the loss, King's delivered a spirited effort on Senior Day, using a dominant third quarter and a late fourth-quarter push to bring the game down to the final possessions in front of the home crowd. The Monarchs return to action on Tuesday when they head to Center Valley, PA on Wednesday, February 18 to take on DeSales at 7pm.

--MONARCHS--