York, PA – The Patriot's Women's Basketball team opened their 2018-2019 season by traveling to Penn State York on Tuesday evening.  UVF held off a late PSU York run to win the opener by a final score of 74-68.

Offensively, the Patriots were led by senior Jhanel Brown (Westmoreland, VA). Brown had a career high 39 points along with 15 rebounds.  Sophomore Amaya Brown (Trenton, NJ) added 11 points and 5 assists while junior Carlee Conrad (Pine Grove, PA) had 10 points for Valley Forge. 

Jhanel Brown would score the Patriots first 8 points.  After a couple of free throws from Alea Flowers, a jumper by Amaya Brown and another bucket from Jhanel Brown, the Patriots led by 14-5 midway through the first period.  Penn State York reeled off 8 straight points to bring the Patriot lead to just 1.  With time running out in the first quarter, Amaya Brown found Jhanel Brown who put the ball up and in for a quick jumper on the baseline to give the Patriots a 16-13 lead after 1 period of play.

Kaitlyn Hess gave Valley Forge a 6-point lead when she buried a 3-pointer at the 9-minute mark in the second quarter.  That was just the beginning of what was a big period for the Patriots.   After the Lion's Ashton Ball split a pair of free throws, UVF went on a 13-1 run.  Valley Forge built a 17-point lead to go up 34-17 with 3:21 remaining in the half.  Just like the first quarter, PSU York was able to close the gap with 7 unanswered points to end the 2nd quarter.  UVF led at halftime 37-26.

The Lions delivered the first punch in the 3rd quarter.  PSU York used a 9-2 run to come within 7 of Valley Forge.  The scoring run did not phase the Patriots.  UVF answered with a 5-0 run thanks to jumpers from Jhanel Brown and Kaitlyn Hess.  Both teams traded baskets over the final minute and Valley Forge led heading into the 4th and final quarter by a score of 53-43. 

The pesky Lions would not go down without a fight.  PSU York managed to bring their deficit down to 5 with 5:59 left to play.  The Patriots needed a big bucket to slow the momentum of the Lions.  Carlee Conrad nailed a three to push the UVF lead to 8.  A jumper from Alea Flowers and Jhanel Brown gave Valley Forge a 12-point lead with 4:41 remaining.  Again, PSU York had an answer.  A quick 8-2 Lion run brought the score to 72-68 but with only 13 seconds left on the clock, York had no choice but to foul.  Calm, cool and collected, Amaya Brown stepped to the free throw line and made both of her free throws to seal the game for the Patriots.  17 second chance points and timely shooting were a major reason the Patriots walked away with a 74-68 win in their season opener.
 
Up next for the Patriots is a rematch of the 2018 NCAA Tournament first round match-up with Randolph-Macon on Friday, November 16th.  Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00. The Game can be seen here.