ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College narrowly fell to Penn College, 55-52, in a United East Conference contest on Wednesday night at Lees Gymnasium. The Falcons dominated the boards with a 47-44 rebounding advantage, including 19 offensive rebounds.

The game commenced with Cedar Crest establishing a strong start, scoring effectively in the paint and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities. Juniors Analyse Rios (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek) and Samora Merchant (Danbury, Conn./Henry Abbott Technical) each contributed with layups, leveraging defensive stops that included four team steals. The Falcons managed to exploit turnovers, adding nine points off turnovers throughout the quarter. Sophomore Ella Bincarosky (Coopersburg, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) was instrumental from beyond the arc, hitting two three-pointers, one of which was in transition to extend the lead. As the quarter advanced, Cedar Crest maintained control by converting key free throws. At the close of the first quarter, the Falcons led with a score of 19-11.

Cedar Crest began the second quarter with a strong defensive display, highlighted by Merchant's two early blocks, which set the tone. Despite scoring struggles, the Falcons managed to keep the quarter competitive with timely defensive rebounds and a crucial triple from Bincarosky, which helped regain the lead. While the Wildcats managed to capitalize on turnovers, Cedar Crest's defense remained resilient, with junior Weronika Swojak (Warsaw, Poland/The Orme School) and Merchant adding to the block tally. Merchant's layup in the closing seconds extended the Falcons' lead, concluding the quarter at 29–23 in favor of Cedar Crest.

The Falcons initiated the third quarter with a crucial defensive stop, leading to a layup by Merchant assisted by Rios. Cedar Crest maintained momentum with a three-pointer from first-year Gabrielle Moore (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley), extending their advantage. Despite a scoring surge from Penn College, the Falcons' defense, highlighted by two blocks from Merchant, kept the home team competitive. As the quarter progressed, the Wildcats narrowed the gap, but Cedar Crest responded with a key layup by Swojak, regaining the lead. In the closing moments, the Falcons executed a fast break, with Rios contributing another layup. Sophomore Ginger Kerdock (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck) secured the final basket of the frame, ensuring Cedar Crest led 43-38 at the end of the third.

The Falcons faced a challenging fourth quarter as Penn College managed to edge ahead with key baskets. Cedar Crest initially held the lead, bolstered by Rios who contributed a layup and an assist in the paint. However, the Wildcats tied the game at 50 with 2:18 remaining, showing resilience and strategic play. In the closing minutes, the Falcons struggled to regain control despite Merchant's offensive rebound and free throw. Penn College senior Lexi Troup (Huntingdon, Pa.) secured the final lead with a jumper with eight seconds remaining in regulation. Cedar Crest had a chance to tie with a three-point attempt by Bincarosky, but it fell short as time expired to give the Wildcats the 55-52 win. 

Merchant posted a double-double, scoring 16 points and collecting 17 rebounds, while also contributing eight blocks. Bincarosky added 16 points, making four three-pointers and recording four steals. Swojak contributed with 10 rebounds and two assists. Rios tallied two steals and scored nine points.

Sophomore Breana Valentine (Fairfield, Pa.) led Penn College with 13 points, adding four assists, and three steals. Sophomore Kayla Herzer (Brick, N.J.) dominated the boards, securing 17 rebounds, including six on the offensive end, while also contributing 10 points. Sophomore RaeAnna Andreas (Berwick, Pa.) matched Herzer's scoring with 10 points and excelled defensively with three steals.

Cedar Crest (12-8, 5-4 United East) will return to the court on Saturday, January 31, as they host Cairn University at 1:00 p.m. for Senior Day. Penn College (15-6 overall, 7-2 United East) will be on the road to play Penn State Brandywine on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.