The Shippensburg University women’s basketball team used an 11–0 run to open its matchup with Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East foe Lock Haven University and never looked back in a 72–58 win over the Bald Eagles Jan. 14.

SU (12–5, 7–4 PSAC) led 22–11 after the first quarter and led by as much as 25 with 4:04 remaining in the game. Lock Haven, (6–9, 3–8 PSAC), failed to keep the Raiders out of the paint and SU capitalized on opportunities, outscoring the Bald Eagles 46–14 in the paint.

“Lock Haven has a lot of players injured and they really couldn’t match up with us inside with Knauer and Griffith, and certainly Haley Scullion coming off the bench,” SU head coach Kristy Trn said. “We’ve got to utilize what we have inside before we could look to score on the perimeter.”

The Raiders’ inside scorers each had big games, as Stephanie Knauer had a game-high 20 points – her fifth 20-point game of the season. Knauer also added five rebounds and three assists. Morgan Griffith tallied her fifth double-double of the season, scoring 18 points while grabbing a season-high 14 rebounds. Griffith’s 14 rebounds are the most by any Raider this season.

“We know it’s an advantage,” Trn said. “Morgan was the conference’s Player of the Year last year and Steph has been all-conference when she’s healthy, so we’ve got to utilize now before it graduates. When they have players out especially, that’s when you’ve got to look to do it.”

Colleen Young also had a strong game for SU, continuing to score at a torrid pace, reeling off 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting. Young also added five rebounds, three steals and two assists.

The Raiders, who will matchup next with PSAC East foe East Stroudsburg University, got a little help from a PSAC West opponent in Slippery Rock University, who knocked off the Warriors earlier in the day. SU’s game with East Stroudsburg will give it a chance to increase its lead in the PSAC East.

“I hope we come out with the same intensity and motivation that we did against West Chester,” Trn said. “There has been a rivalry with us and West Chester and I think the girls have some friends and high school teammates on East Stroudsburg’s team, so they’re going to be pumped. East Stroudsburg started the year out strong and stuck with our girls a little bit, so I’m confident that they’re going to be ready to go.”

With the win the Raiders have won seven-straight games. Coach Trn however, is not focused on the streak, as much as she is the team continuing to improve and finding ways to win.

“I’m not thinking anything about it except hoping that it continues,” Trn said.

The Raiders, will host East Stroudsburg University Jan. 18 at Heiges Field House. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. 

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