Phoenixville, PA – Four different Patriots scored double-digits in the close 86-81 victory over the Nittany Lions of Penn State York at home on Tuesday night.

Senior Carlee Conrad led the pack with 28 points and 5 steals, while Kaitlyn Hess added a career-high 19 points. Junior Amaya Brown notched 13 points, followed by Alea Flowers who chipped in with 12.

"We knew this game was going to be a battle," shared head coach Gretchen LeVan. "They had some talented shooters that pulled them back into the game. However, we are slowly putting it all together. We are a very hard team to guard when we are working together and all on the same page. I'm proud of how we hung in there and how our senior, Carlee Conrad, lead us with poise and determination down the stretch to come out with the win."

The Patriots were off to a good start, which was initiated from a Kaitlyn Hess three-pointer. Valley Forge survived by the three-ball in the first quarter, going 6-13 from behind the arc. The Patriots ended the first quarter with a 12-3 run.

With an 18-point advantage, Valley Forge would steadily increase their lead, eventually leading by 22 points. The Patriots would maintain their control and end the half with a 16-point benefit over the Lions.

Valley Forge hit 41.3% from the field, as well as scoring 20 points off of turnovers alone in the first stanza. The Patriots entered the locker room after scoring the most points in the first-half this season (51).

The second-half would begin with a trey ball from Kaitlyn Hess, her fourth of the game. However, the Patriots would struggle with their offensive flow as the Lions began to chase the lead. Penn State went 50% from the three line, draining 3-6. The Lions comeback was driven by senior Sky Warner who contributed a total of 19 points, and freshman Nicole Sharpe who added 23 points. With a stagnant Patriot offense, the Lions were able to cut the lead to 8 points before entering the fourth quarter.

As only 10 minutes remained in the game, the Lions continued their offense spurt, shaking the Patriots up. Penn State forced nine Patriot fouls, gathering a 68.8% from the line (11-16). With the clock ticking down, Valley Forge struggled with their shooting game, only hitting 2-10 from the three-point line, and 5-18 from the field. Penn State found themselves only down 1 point after a 22-point comeback. However, that would be the closest they would get as Valley Forge would come in clutch at the line with free-throws from Alea Flowers, Kaitlyn Hess, Cayleen Conrad, and Carlee Conrad to secure a 5-point victory at home.

Valley Forge will begin their three game road stand against the Gators of Notre Dame of Maryland on Friday, November 22^nd at 7 p.m.