WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Penn College outlasted Penn State Abington, 61-58, in its United East women's basketball opener Tuesday at Bardo Gym. The Wildcats improved to 1-0 in conference play and 8-1 overall, while the Nittany Lions dropped to 3-4, 0-1 United East.

How it happened: Penn State Abington used a hot start to take a 19-11 lead after the first quarter before Penn College responded with a strong second period, outscoring the Lions, 20-11. Kayla Herzer sparked a 16-2 run with a layup at 9:06, as Kenni Galbreath, Mia Patterson, Breana Valentine and Gigi Parlante all contributed in the run before Raeanna Andreas drained a three to put the Wildcats in front, 27-24, with 3:49 left in the half. Two more layups by Parlante gave the Wildcats a 31-30 lead at the break.

Abington leveled the score, 46-46, at the end of the third quarter. Valentine netted the first four points in the final frame and a Kenni 3-pointer pushed the Wildcats out to a 5-point lead, 55-50, with 4:42 to go. Abington pulled within two twice in the final four minutes before Mia Patterson's free throw with four seconds remaining forced Abington to heave a last second three-pointer to try and force overtime, but the shot rimmed out at the buzzer.

Inside the box: Valentine paced the Wildcats with a game-high 18 points to go along with eight rebounds, six assists, and a steal. Parlante tallied 17 points and nine boards, while Galbreath and Patterson each added 11 points. Patterson also contributed six rebounds and two blocks and Kayla Herzer provided an important lift off the bench with a team-best 11 rebounds.

Up next: Penn College returns to action Saturday hosting Penn State Schuylkill at 1 p.m.