WASHINGTON - The Gallaudet University women's basketball team was unable to keep up with Penn St.-Abington here Thursday evening as they fell to the Nittany Lions, 73-57, in a North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) game in the Field House.

After a strong first quarter, turnovers by the Bison (2-9, 2-5 NEAC) hindered the team from maintaining their offensive rhythm as they were outscored by the Nittany Lions (6-5, 4-2 NEAC) in the second, third and fourth quarters. 

Gallaudet's offense was led by sophomore forward Kelli Barnes (Hope Mills, N.C.), who racked up a game high 21 points and a game-high 14 rebounds for her third double-double of the season. Barnes also added two blocks and a steal to her stat line in 37 minutes played.

Freshman guard Jakkisha Smith (Dallas, Texas), who fouled out early in the fourth quarter, was the second-leading scorer for the Bison with 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. 

Penn St.-Abington was led by Shayna Rodriguez, who posted a double-double (21 points and 11 rebounds). Marah Hayes also contributed with 18 points, four rebounds and four steals for the visiting Nittany Lions.

BISON TRACKS

• Junior forward Kelsey Hudson (Blissfield, Mich.) scored eight points and 10 rebounds
• Junior guard Kori Koss (Delavan, Wis.) dished out six assists, scored five points and collected four rebounds
• Junior forward Lawjen Ashmore (Fairbanks, Alaska) posted eight rebounds, three points, two assists, two blocks and two steals
• Gallaudet out-rebounded Penn St.-Abington 51-48 and scored 20 points off of 20 offensive rebounds
• The Bison gave up 27 points off of 29 turnovers

UP NEXT
Gallaudet hits the road this weekend when they travel to Morristown, N.J., to take on College of Saint Elizabeth (7-5, 5-2 NEAC) in a conference game on Saturday, Jan. 14, at 1 p.m.