LADY WARRIORS DOMINATE CRUSADERS

SELINSGROVE, Pa. – The Lycoming College women’s basketball team took a break from conference action on Saturday as they traveled to Susquehanna University. The Lady Warriors dominated every phase of the game in a 74-51 victory over the rival Crusaders.

Lycoming started slow, as Susquehanna pulled out to an early 15-8 lead, seven minutes into the ballgame. From that point on, however, the Lady Warriors turned up the defensive pressure and increased the offensive intensity, outscoring the Crusaders 37-10 the rest of the half. The strong first half performance gave Lycoming a comfortable 45-25 lead at the midway point.

The Lady Warriors stretched their lead to as many as 29, early in the second period as Amy Lesko (Jr./Mountaintop; Crestwood) hit three consecutive baskets to open the half. Lycoming cleared the bench through the remainder of the game as they cruised to a 23-point victory.

“I thought our intensity was outstanding today,” said head coach Christen Ditzler. “We played the best transition basketball we have played all season. That came as a result of good defense and smart anticipation. We took a little while to warm up, but for 15 minutes in the first half we simply played great basketball.”

Lyndy LeVan (So./South Williamsport; South Williamsport) led all scorers with 19 points – 15 coming in the first half. She also led Lycoming with 12 rebounds. Freshman Emily DiMarco (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern) added 13 points and nine rebounds off the bench. Katie Santo (Jr./Scotch Plains, NJ; Union Catholic) also played well off the bench, scoring eight points and recording six steals.

“Lyndy played a great game. Not many players can go 7-for-9 from the floor in one half,” said Ditzler. “When we can get our offense going, we are a very good basketball team. Today, we got some great looks inside and it made it hard to stop us. Everybody contributed offensively.”

As a team the Lady Warriors shot 53% from the floor, including 64.5% in the first half. Lycoming improves to 9-10 overall on the season. Lycoming will play at home on Tuesday, Feb. 6, when they host Wilkes University. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.