Defense Leads Lady Lions to 56-42 Season-Opening Win Over South Carolina

Grant leads the Lions with 17 points; PSU allows fewest points since 2005 UNIVERSITY PARK, PA.; November 16, 2008 — The Penn State Lady Lions (1-0) used a dominating defensive performance to post a 56-42 victory over South Carolina (0-1) in the season opener for both teams on Sunday afternoon at the Bryce Jordan Center. The Lady Lions held the Gamecocks to 25.5% shooting on the game and forced 20 turnovers in the win. The 42 points allowed are the fewest given up by Penn State since a 76-41 win over Illinois on Jan. 13, 2005.   Junior guard Tyra Grant (Youngstown, Ohio) led the Lady Lions on both sides of the ball as she had a game-high 17 points to go along with three rebounds and a steal. She also forced the Gamecocks into committing four offensive fouls. Senior guard Brianne O'Rourke (Pittsburgh, Pa.) added eight points, five assists and four rebounds, while sophomore post Janessa Wolff (Park Rapids, Minn.) contributed eight points and five boards off the bench. Sophomore posts Evelyn Lewis (Hampton, Va.) and Julia Trogele (Devon, Pa.) chipped in seven points apiece for the Lady Lions. It was a career-best scoring night for Lewis. Senior guard Mashea Williams (Erie, Pa.) had a quite, but effective night for the Blue & White with six points, five rebounds and five assists. To read more please click here.