Jones’ Double-Double Powers Schuylkill Past Central Penn

Penn State Schuylkill used a dominant inside performance from Serena Jones and a huge second-half surge to pull away from Central Penn, 62–47, on Thursday night at EPMS. The win moves the Lions to 2–0 on the young season.

Jones was unstoppable in the paint, finishing with 24 points on 10-for-15 shooting to go along with a game-high 13 rebounds, 3 steals and 1 block, recording a massive double-double while committing zero turnovers. She set the tone in the second quarter as Schuylkill erased an early deficit and took control before halftime.

After trailing 10–7 at the end of the first quarter, Schuylkill exploded for a 20–9 second-quarter advantage, turning a slow start into a 27–19 halftime lead. The Lions then held serve in the third, matching Central Penn 13–13 to carry a 40–32 edge into the fourth. In the final period, Schuylkill slammed the door with a 22–15 scoring margin, attacking the rim, getting to the line and crashing the glass to put the game out of reach.

Offensively, Schuylkill shot 35.8% from the field (24-of-67), including 2-of-11 from three (18.2%), and 12-of-17 at the foul line (70.6%). The Lions dominated the boards with a 38–? rebounding total, including 14 offensive rebounds, which led to key second-chance points and extended possessions throughout the night.

Jones had plenty of help. Ava Novak stuffed the stat sheet with 13 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals in 37 high-energy minutes, consistently pushing the tempo and creating offense off the dribble. Katelyn Otto added 11 points and 5 rebounds, going 5-of-6 from the free throw line, while also contributing 1 steal and 1 block in 36 minutes. Mikayla Johnson chipped in 9 points, hitting a three and knocking down clutch midrange jumpers while handing out 4 assists and grabbing 2 rebounds.

Off the bench, Megan Hauser provided a strong spark with 2 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block and solid interior defense in 17 minutes. Madison Cooper added 1 assist and a rebound in 15 minutes of steady guard play, helping spell the starters without a drop in intensity.

As a team, Schuylkill finished with 11 assists, 7 steals and 3 blocks, while forcing Central Penn into extended scoreless stretches and disrupted offensive rhythm. Despite 14 turnovers of their own, the Lions' defensive pressure and rebounding advantage, combined with Jones' dominant double-double and balanced scoring from Novak and Otto, proved more than enough to secure a convincing 62–47 road victory and a perfect 2–0 start to the season.