Dec. 1, 2004

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA - Behind a second-half surge in which the Quakers shot 73.7 percent from the floor, Penn snapped a 29-game losing drought, downing Saint Joseph's women's basketball team 64-57 Wednesday night at Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse.

The Hawks, who had won every match up versus Penn dating back to the 1973-74 season, jumped out to an early 18-6 lead. Saint Joseph's converted 5-for-10 to start the game and held the Quakers to 3-of1-5 over the opening eight minutes.

Penn wouldn't back down from the 12-point deficit, cutting the Hawks lead to one, 26-25 at intermission. The Quakers used on a 9-1 run over the final 4:38 to come within one.

In the second half, Saint Joseph's opened its lead to six, 31-25, on a three pointer by junior guard Christine Roth at 18:54.

The Quakers clawed back and got its first lead, 37-36, on a layup by Jennifer Fleischer at 13:03.

Both teams exchanged buckets over the next three minutes, with the Hawks taking a 41-37 lead on a layup by junior guard Kelly Springman.

Unfortunately for Saint Joseph's, Penn would go on a 19-2 run from 9:44 to 4:05, taking a commanding 56-43 lead. During that stretch, the Quakers caused five turnovers and held the Hawks to 1-for-5 from the field.

Trailing by 13, the Hawks showed resiliency, coming within six, 63-57, on a three pointer by Springman with 37 seconds remaining.

On the next play, Saint Joseph's forced a turnover, but were unable to convert as Penn held on for the victory.

The Quakers finished the game 25-46 from the field, including a 14-19 second stanza. The Hawks finished 20-55 from the floor and 12-32 in the second half. Penn held the edge on the boards, 33-25, and outscored Saint Joseph's 36-22 in the paint.

Redshirt freshman forward Erica Pollock led the way for the Hawks with 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting. Junior forward Maura McBryan posted her second double-double of the season, scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Springman was the only other Saint Joseph's player to score in double digits, adding 11 to go with a career-best seven assists.

For Penn, Fleischer posted a career-best 21 points to go with 16 rebounds and four blocks. Joey Rhoades and Karen Habrukowich scored 16 and 10, respectively.

With the loss, Saint Joseph's falls to 2-6 on the season and 0-1 in the Big 5. Penn improves to 3-2 and 2-0 in the Big 5.

Saint Joseph's will look to snap its three-game losing skid when it returns to action Sunday at Seton Hall. Tip off is scheduled for 2 p.m.