Box Score
CLARION, Pa. – Megan Stewart scored a season-high 22 points, and Allison Hostetter netted 14 points to go along with a career-high 18 rebounds, but visiting West Chester University fell to host Clarion University, 75-72, in a PSAC women’s basketball crossover match inside Tippin Gymnasium Monday evening.
West Chester (7-2) misfired on a number of attempts in the final two minutes of the ballgame, ending its five-game winning streak following a 21-day layoff for the holiday break. Clarion (2-7) ended its seven-game slide with the Golden Eagles’ first victory since opening night.
Stewart hit a layup with 25 seconds left to pull the Golden Rams to within a bucket (74-72), but missed the free throw after being fouled on the play. Clarion’s Emma Fickel nailed a foul shot with 11 ticks left to close out the scoring.
Stewart scored nine of her game-high 22 points in the final six minutes of the contest. She posted 13 points in the second half alone. Hostetter grabbed 12 of her game-best 18 boards in the second half as well, despite feeling ill just before game time.
Lennon registered a season-high six blocked shots defensively, falling one shy of her career best set last season in her first college game almost one year ago to the day.
The Golden Rams just did not make enough shots down the stretch to tip the score in their favor. West Chester shot just 25.6 percent (10 of 39) in the second half, including a 1-for-13 showing from beyond the 3-point arc.
However, the Rams sat tied at 66-apiece with just under five minutes remaining. Stewart gave the visitors their last lead of the game with a layup 45 seconds later. Fickel then hit a 3-ball to put Clarion on top for good with four minutes left.
Lennon and Mary Kate Serratelli finished with eight points apiece while Jillian Keefer added seven.
Fickel led Clarion with 21 points and seven rebounds. Mackenzie Clark and Raven Jones each contributed 12 points for the Eagles.
Stewart’s two assists gives her 395 in her career. She is five helpers shy of becoming just the second player in West Chester women’s basketball history to reach 400 assists.
West Chester continues its western swing Tuesday evening with another crossover match at Gannon. Tip is set for 6 p.m.
