Phoenixville, PA – The University of Valley Forge Women's Basketball team played host to the Lions of Penn State Brandywine on Thursday evening.  After a gutty performance and being shorthanded, the Patriots fell by a final score of 77-65.

Offensively the Patriots were led by Junior Forward Jhanel Brown.  Brown had 21 points and 19 rebounds.  That was her 6^th double-double on the season.  Sophomore guard Natalie Cortes nearly had a triple-double.  Cortes finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists.    Senior guard Bailey Mayforth added 13 points while sophomore forward Shania Walker had 10 points and 5 rebounds. 

After a free throw and a jumper by Natalie Cortes, The Patriots took a 3-point lead with two and a half minutes to go in the opening quarter.  Brandywine used a 12-0 run in the final 2 minutes of the first period to take a 21-12 lead heading into the second quarter. 

Valley Forge continued to keep the game close.  The Patriots went on a 12-3 run thanks to baskets from Jhanel Brown, Natalie Cortes and Shania Walker.  The Lions would again close out the quarter strong by scoring the last 10 of 14 points to give them a 36-28 lead heading into halftime.

The third period belonged to the Patriots.  Valley Forge came roaring back from a 10 point deficit.  The Patriots went on a huge 19-5 run that eliminated the Lion lead and gave UVF their first lead 48-45 since early in the first quarter.  During the Patriots run, Mayforth scored 11 of her 13 points.  It looked as though UVF had all of the momentum but the Lions fought back.  Brandywine tied the game (50-50) at the buzzer to end the 3^rd period. 

Being short-handed began to catch up with UVF.  Brandywine built a 12-point lead midway through the final period, but the Patriots had one more run in them.  Back to back layups from Shania Walker and another layup from Jhanel Brown brought the Lion lead to 7.  Natalie Cortes converted on two free throws and the Patriots were down 68-63 with two and half minutes left in the game.  Unfortunately for Valley Forge, Penn State Brandywine would heat up in the final two minutes and pull out a 77-65 win over UVF. 

Up Next

The Patriots will be back in action on Saturday, January 27th for Senior Day when they face-off against Keystone College.  Tip-off is set for 1:00 pm.