YSU women lackluster in exhibition

New coach Cindy Martin had a rough debut as the Penguins lost to Ashland, 79-70, at Beeghly Center.

By PETE MOLLICA

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

YOUNGSTOWN — It was only an exhibition game, but Youngstown State women’s basketball team certainly didn’t present new head coach Cindy Martin with anything to write home about in the team’s opening appearance at Beeghly Center.

The Penguins suffered a 79-70 loss to Division II Ashland Tuesday night, and they were anything but impressive in the loss.

The Penguins made just 27 of 67 shots from the field, committed 16 turnovers and were out-rebounded 46-40.

The only real bright spot in the contest was the fact that the Penguins did rally in the final 10 minutes of the game.

Trailing by as many as 14 points, they cut into the Eagles lead and were within seven points with 6:10 left to play, but never really got any closer.

Ashland, which returned all five starters from a year ago, could have extended its lead but made just 19 of 30 free throws, including seven misses in the final four minutes.

The Penguins had four players in double figures, led by Jaquetta Westley, a junior transfer, with 15 points, while 5-3 freshman guard Macey Nortey added 14 points, but was 5-of-20 shooting from the field. Senior Kelsey Gurganus added 11 points and junior Kaitlyn March had 10.

Betsy Morrison led Ashland with 17 points and Lynsey Warren added 16.

The two teams battled through most of the first half as the lead changed hands seven times for the first 10 minutes and the score was last tied at 23-23 with just over eight minutes left.

Ashland took the lead for keeps with 7:48 remaining on a 3-point goal by Morrison and the Eagles quickly built it to 10 points 35-25 and led at halftime 38-33,

The Penguins will hold a second exhibition contest on Sunday afternoon when they play host to Pitt-Johnstown in a 2 p.m. tip-off at Beeghly.