PHOENIXVILLE, PA – The Valley Forge Christian College women's basketball team picked up an impressive victory for their program, by defeating the Kentucky Christian University Lady Knights, 65-62.

Kentucky Christian women's basketball has been somewhat of a dynasty throughout the past couple of decades.  In just under 20 years, the KCU Lady Knights have won an impressive 13 NCCAA II National Championships.

While every year is different, there is no reason to imagine that KCU wouldn't be making another run at a title.

While KCU is a mainstay national contender, the Valley Forge Lady Patriots are hoping that this could be the season that they too, could compete at the national tournament.

Although the Lady Patriots led 34-26 at the half, they would score just three-points during the first seven minutes of the second half.  Kentucky Christian would battle back to take their first lead (39-37) with just under 14 minutes remaining on a three-pointer by Tanya Bowens.

The Lady Patriots would retake the lead moments later, but for the final 10 minutes of the game, the two teams would battle.  Valley Forge held the advantage throughout, but Kentucky Christian would keep the margin slim.

Shawneal McKeither made some huge plays during a pivotal stretch, when KCU's Rachel Chester seemed to be on fire from the perimeter.  Shawneal was able to push the ball for transition lay-ups, igniting the crowd and helping the Lady Patriots to maintain control of the game.

Clutch free-throw shooting by Charla Benton and Amanda Compton also played a part in the victory.

Senior Charla Benton (Milford, DE, Greenwood Mennonite School) finished with a game-high 16 points.  Benton also grabbed five rebounds.

Freshman Shawneal McKeither (Philadelphia, PA) tallied 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and four steals.

Sophomore Amanda Reich (Milton, PA, Milton High School) finished with a game-high five assists.

Sophomore Amanda Compton (Newark, DE, Elkton Christian Academy) tallied a team-high nine rebounds and three blocked shots.

Senior Talaya Woodall (Trenton, NJ) earned three steals and eight points.

For the Lady Patriots, this was a meaningful victory against one of the most reputable women's basketball programs in the history of the NCCAA.