Women's Basketball Finds First Palestra Win, 60-57

Courtesy: Jennifer Werner, Associate Director of Athletic Communications
Release: 12/21/2006
Courtesy: University of Pennsylvania

Penn defeated its University City foe, Drexel 60-57 Thursday afternoon at The
Palestra. The Quakers found their first home win with the help of senior Joey
Rhoads' career-high 28 points. Penn evened its record to 4-4 while Drexel fell to 3-7.

The win was important for the Quakers who rebounded from a tough loss in their last
outing, in addition to inking their first home win of the season. With four wins
under their belts, the Quakers are now just one shy of matching their 2005-06
season win total.

Penn led early in the game with a six-point lead at the midpoint of the first half.
Drexel chipped away and took its largest lead--three points--with six minutes
remaining. Though the Red and Blue regained the lead momentarily, the Dragons held
a narrow one-point edge heading into the locker rooms.

Penn tied the score with a free throw from Rhoads early in the period and despite a
19-point second half effort from Rhoads, the Quakers could not extend their lead to
more than five. But it was all they needed hanging onto a three-point victory.

It seemed as if Rhoads could not miss, sinking improbable and at times acrobatic
shots. Hitting 10-of-16 from the field, the senior guard also managed to find time
for a season-high five rebounds.

Monica Naltner added 19 points and co-led the team with seven boards. Sophomore
Maggie Burgess was her counterpart on the glass and stepped up as Penn's elusive
third scorer, tallying a career-high 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting.

It was just the third time this season the Red and Blue had three players scoring
in double digits.

The Dragons' Gabriela Marginean led her squad with 18 points with Andrea Peterson
backing her up with 11. Kira Karlstrom had 12 boards and was inches away from a
double-double with nine points.

Penn is back at The Palestra Dec. 29 to take on the defending Big 5 champion,
Temple, at 7 p.m. Live stats will be available on PennAthletics.com.