Lady Lions Fall to Central Penn While Raising Important Funds for Pink Zone

by Ross Turetsky

Dunmore, PA- It might have been a rainy, dreary Thursday evening in the Electric City, but inside the comfy confines of Penn State Scranton's home gymnasium, vibrant, colorful pink shirts, balloons, and decorations permeated throughout in honor of the school's annual Pink Zone basketball game. The Pennsylvania Pink Zone organization and the Lady Lions basketball program have been working hard for over a decade as a united force in the fight against breast cancer on the court, across campus, and within our communities to help raise awareness. Admission to Penn State Scranton's 14^th annual Pink Night was free but donations at the door would go a long way to helping this worthy cause. In that matter, our campus community came out in full force to help raise $150 to Pink Zone in the battle against the terrible illness.

The Penn State Scranton head softball coach and athletics department administrative assistant, Mar Tsakonas, was very happy to be able to help out in such a worthy and successful charitable cause each and every year. "Every year the pink night game brings everyone together for a great cause. I've had the opportunity to be a part of this night from all angles as a player, coach, and now an administrator. It's a special night and a great cause and I'm ecstatic for tonight's outcome. To raise that much for the Pink Zone fund is a great contribution to the foundation and great for those that benefit from the donations. The fact that we've been able to continue this tradition for the 14^th year is remarkable and a testament to Penn State and Penn State Scranton Athletics. I'm just proud to be a part of such a great organization and hope we can continue this tradition for years to come," said Tsakonas.

The Pink game saw a rematch from earlier in the season, as the Lady Lions tried to avenge a season opening 70-49 road loss to the Central Penn Knights from all the way back in November. However, Scranton would fall to Central Penn once again, this time by a score of 68-46. The Knights would jump out to an early double digit advantage, 23-10, after just one quarter of play and never looked back. A crucial focal point to Central Penn's victorious performance was their red hot shooting from the field and the charity stripe. They shot nearly 50 percent on the night, with a robust 49.2 field goal percentage, and shot a perfect 100 percent from the free throw line, cashing in on all of their six attempts.

Our Lady Lions, who fought hard all game long, were led by four stalwart performances in the contest, juniors Jessica Berger, Rachel Lewis, and Danielle Powell, as well as sophomore Eayoni Thompson. Berger set the scoring pace with her team high 14 points, to go along with her seven rebounds and two steals. Lewis tallied 11 points and a team high three assists. Powell led the way with her eight boards, to go along with her seven points. Then coming off the bench, Thompson was stellar throughout the game, as she poured in 10 points, to go along with her four rebounds and two steals.

Meanwhile head coach Christopher Norkus and his now 10-2 Central Penn Knights were led by three standout performances in their impressive victory. Sophomore Tahniyaah Jackson scored a game high 31 points in her dominant efffort, to go along with her eight rebounds, five assists, and five steals. Senior Ja'Lynn Burton-Jones dropped 14 points, to go along with her four boards, two assists, two steals, and a block. Finally, coming off the bench, sophomore Jahrae Patterson scored a solid 15 points, to go along with her seven rebounds and two steals.

Now head coach Tom McIntyre and his Penn State Scranton Lady Lions will look to capture their fourth win of the basketball season when they travel on the road to play conference foe Penn State Hazleton this upcoming Tuesday night for a 6 pm tip-off. Plus if anyone would like to know more about Pink Zone's mission and how they can help, check out their website at www.papinkzone.org.