Makenna Marisa ties career high in points as Lady Lions defeat the Kansas Jayhawks.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State Lady Lions handed the Kansas Jayhawks their first loss of the season with a score of 91-85. As Kansas has been proven to be a formidable competitor, this win was impactful for the Lady Lions and Makenna Marisa.

“Makenna Marisa played like that All-American that she is tonight. That was probably the most poise I've seen her play and that's what you want out of your fifth-year All-American,” head coach Carolyn Keiger said.

Marisa is a fifth-year guard at Penn State and she has been outstanding in her collegiate career. She has scored 30 points in eight games, including tonight’s game. Last season, she scored 34 points, a career-high, in a game against Minnesota. Now history repeats itself.

Marisa was leading the team with 16 points in the first half where she had eight consecutive points scored. She scored 18 points in the second half. She also ended the game with seven assists, continuing to lead the team.

The All-American now has 64 points this season, averaging around 21 per game. She hopes to continue to help out the team by producing and also playing off the ball.

“I love this team and you know coach kind of nailed it like I mean our chemistry has just been great even in practices, and it's really special to get that win tonight with this team,” Marisa said.

This was also the first time since 1997 that Penn State and Kansas faced. Before this game, the all-time series record was tied 2-2, but now the Lady Lions lead. They look to use this as momentum as they head on to the rest of their season.

“We haven't arrived til we make that NCAA tournament so we have a chip on our shoulder in every game and every possession. We are taking it one minute and one second at a time and we know that every game matters,” Keiger said.

The Lady Lions will travel to take on St. John’s next on Nov. 16.

As for the next home game, Keiger stated, “Please tell your friends because this is gonna be a fun team to watch.”

Kassie Vasellas is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email kmv5506@psu.edu