Box Score

Lock Haven, Pa. – The Millersville women's basketball team passed its first road test of the 2011 season on a career-high 20 points by Leola Pinkney. Lock Haven had a chance to win at the buzzer, but a great defensive effort by the Marauders sealed their fifth win of the season by 57-56 score over the Bald Eagles.

It was an epic battle between a former coach and player when Millersville (5-1, 4-1 PSAC) and Lock Haven (4-2, 3-2 PSAC) clashed Friday evening. Former Millersville player Jennifer Smith looked to find her first win against her former coach Mary Fleig. Fleig had won the first four meetings. Smith almost found that first win.

After the Marauders took their largest lead of nine in the second half the Bald Eagles cut the lead back to just two several times before tying the game at 56-56 with 55 seconds remaining on a jumper by reigning PSAC West Athlete of the Week Peaches Nesmith. Nesmith, who struggled in the first half with just six points, finished the game with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

On Millersville's next possession, Mashira Newman was fouled at the top of the key and received a one-and-one with 30 seconds remaining. Newman hit the first of two to give Millersville a 57-56 lead. Newman's second attempt rattled out and was rebounded Lock Haven's Mahogany Spence. The Bald Eagles drove it across court and called a timeout with 7.7 seconds remaining to draw up a final play.

Lock Haven inbounded the ball to Spence who passed it to Nesmith for a jumper with two seconds remaining. The ball bounced out and found the hands of Kelsey Ryan. Ryan, hounded by two Millersville defenders, was unable to get off a shot before time expired. 

Pinkney led all scorers in the first half with 13 of her 20 points. The Marauder struggled to open the game turning the ball over 13 times and found themselves down one, 23-22 at the break.

In the second half it was senior guard Sophia Waters who stepped into the limelight. Waters scored nine-straight points for Millersville in the opening five minutes to give the Marauders its largest lead of the game at 38-29. Waters hit back-to-back three-pointers then finished off a three-point play from the foul line. Waters finished the game with 11 points.

Newman tied her season-high point total with 19 points--15 in the second half. Newman also collected nine rebounds and seven assists to flirt with a triple-double late in the game.

Pinkney was the first 20-point scorer for Millersville this season, going 8-for-12 from the field—also a career-high.

Aurielle Mosley was held without a double-double for the first time this season thanks to great defensive work by Lock Haven's Arlana Roland and Kacie Hershey. Mosley finished the game with just five points and six rebounds.

Millersville is back in action tomorrow when it travels to No. 9 Edinboro for a 2 p.m. tip.