Lions Roar in Season Opener with Dominant Win over Valley Forge

Penn State Schuylkill women's basketball opened the 2025–26 season with a statement, racing past the University of Valley Forge 57–34 in Schuylkill Haven. The Lions controlled the game from the opening tip, using stifling defense and a balanced offensive attack to build an early cushion and never let go.

Schuylkill set the tone in the first quarter with an 11–0 start, sparked by Alli Crockett's jumper and a hot stretch from Katelyn Otto, who knocked down a three and followed with mid-range buckets to make it 9–0. Serena Jones checked in and immediately made her presence felt, scoring at the rim and cleaning the glass as the Lions rolled to a 22–3 lead after the first quarter. Defensively, Schuylkill forced turnover after turnover, disrupting Valley Forge's rhythm and turning miscues into transition opportunities.

The Lions continued to extend the lead in the second quarter behind contributions from the entire rotation. Ava Novak hit a jumper, Mikayla Johnson buried a three, and Megan Hauser provided a lift off the bench with back-to-back jumpers to push the margin to 33–13. Late in the half, Jones stayed active around the rim, finishing through contact and controlling the boards as Schuylkill took a 35–14 advantage into the locker room.

After halftime, Schuylkill's defense again set the tone. Johnson and Jones combined on a series of plays—steals, rebounds, and kick-out assists—that led to more scoring chances. Jones hit a jumper off a Johnson assist, then added a pair of free throws and a layup to help stretch the lead to 47–19. Hauser and Madison Cooper added key buckets in the third, and by the end of the period the Lions held a commanding 49–22 lead.

Valley Forge found a bit of offense in the fourth behind a flurry of threes from Lucy Mauerman, but Schuylkill calmly answered. Jones continued to score inside and at the line, Otto knocked down two free throws, and the Lions' depth closed things out. When the final buzzer sounded, Schuylkill had outrebounded Valley Forge 53–23 and held the visitors to 22.9% shooting from the field.

Jones led all scorers with 20 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and a block, while Otto chipped in 11 points and 8 rebounds. Johnson stuffed the stat sheet with 7 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists, and Hauser added 6 points and 7 boards off the bench. Cooper contributed 4 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals, helping fuel the defensive pressure that forced 24 Valley Forge turnovers.

With the convincing home win in the books, Penn State Schuylkill turns its attention to the road, traveling to face Central Penn on Thursday at 6 p.m. at East Pennsboro Middle School.