MADISON, N.J. – The Drew University women's basketball team jumped out to a fast start and defeated Penn State Lehigh Valley 89-61 in the first round of the 31st Larry Horner C'40 Rose City Classic Friday evening in Baldwin Gym.
Playing their home opener, the Rangers (2-0) outscored the Lions 23-13 in the first quarter and 42-27 in the opening half. Lehigh Valley rallied in the second half, cutting it to 15 midway through the third quarter, but Drew outscored the Lions 25-16 in the final period to pull away.
Drew will now face Western New England in Saturday's championship game, which begins at 2 p.m. The Golden Bears defeated Widener 57-50 in the other first-round game. Penn State Lehigh Valley and Widener will meet in the consolation game at noon.
The Rangers' starting five erupted for 84 of the team's poitns on the night. Senior guard
Joey Meyers led the Rangers with her second-straight double-double of the season, posting 23 points and 11 rebounds to go with five steals and four assists. Backcourt mate
Gwen Alberici added 11 points, a career-high nine assists, and seven steals while junior transfer
Gracie Hezel added 17 points in her Baldwin debut. Junior forward
Jamie Struble contributed 12 points, and freshman guard
Madelyn Morgan chipped in with 11 points.
Gianna Torretta led Lehigh Valley (2-1) with 14 points.
The Rangers shot 40.8% from the field for the game while holding the Lions to 29.6% shooting. Drew's stifling defense forced PSU into 41 turnovers.
