Jan. 14, 2009

Box Score

CLARION - Junior Bethany Koch continued her strong play scoring 17 points, grabbing seven rebounds and handing out three assists, but it wasn't quite enough to help Clarion win its PSAC-West opener with the Golden Eagles falling 78-58 to visiting IUP Wednesday night.

Koch hit 8 of 14 shots from the field including a 3-pointer and also had a block and a steal. But IUP, ranked 12th in the nation, had four players in double figures led by senior Staci Heberling who scored a game-high 20 points including the 1,000th of her career. She has 1,014 career points. Lacey Claar followed with 18 points on a school-record tying six 3-pointers.

Lizzie Suwala added 13 points, six rebounds and two blocked shots for the Golden Eagles who fell to 5-8 overall and 0-1 in the PSAC-West. IUP improved to 12-2 and 1-0 in the PSAC-West.

Clarion got off to a quick start leading 8-4 early, but IUP took a 45-35 halftime lead and then outscored the Golden Eagles 33-23 in the second half.

Katrina Greer added eight points and four rebounds for Clarion, while Sara Pratt had six points and three blocked shots. Courtney Healy chipped in with seven rebounds, four points and two blocks.

Jahzinga Tracey added 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three blocks and three steals for IUP.

Clarion returns to action at 1 p.m. Saturday at Gannon, while IUP hosts Mercyhurst Saturday.