• Box Score

SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. (Nov. 19) – Despite a season-high 20 points by senior forward Amy Johns (McKeesport, Pa./McKeesport), the Vulcans dropped a 59-57 contest at Shippensburg in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Crossover action on Saturday afternoon at Heiges Field House.

With its second-straight loss, the California University of Pennsylvania women's basketball falls to 1-2 this season. The loss also drops the Vulcans to 0-1 in conference play, as PSAC Crossover games are counted toward the divisional standings this season. Meanwhile, Shippensburg remains undefeated this year (3-0, 1-0).

Johns finished with 20 points (13 second half) on 7-of-15 shooting from the field and four-of-five from the free-throw line. Senior guard Danielle Luckett (Chicago, Ill./James Hubert Blake (Md.)) posted 14 points, including 12 in the second half, on 6-of-12 from the floor with three assists and three steals on Saturday. Sophomore forward Elena Antonenko (Moscow, Russia/State University of Physical Education) collected 11 rebounds and two blocks in the loss.

The Red Raiders posted a 30-26 halftime lead after the two teams combined for seven lead changes and six ties. Trailing 36-34 the second half, Cal U mounted an 11-3 run over nearly five minutes with nine points by the tandem of Johns and Luckett to take a 45-39 lead with 10:19 left in the game. Shippensburg then responded with an 8-2 rally to tie the game at 47-47 with 6:12 remaining.

The two teams continued to traded baskets with the Vulcans taking a 57-55 lead on a layup by Johns with 2:14 left to play. Shippensburg then scored the final four points of the game (all on free-throws) to claim a 59-57 lead, as Cal U missed its final four shots.

Cal U finished the game shooting 34.9 percent (22-of-63) from the field, including just 18.2 percent (4-of-22) from beyond the arc. The Red Raiders held a significant advantage from the free-throw line, making 22-of-27 attempts (81.5 percent), while the Vulcans were 9-of-14 (64.3 percent) from the charity stripe.

Shippensburg used a balanced scoring attack in the victory, as four players reached double-figures. Junior guard Shawna Wert finished with a team-high 14 points, while senior forward Monae Baker registered a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Cal U returns to action tomorrow, Sunday, Nov. 20, when it travels to Cheyney. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.