Penn State starts the season off strong with dominating win over Bucknell

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Basketball is back and the Penn State Lady Lions opened the season up with a bang, defeating Bucknell 90-68

The Lady Lions started off hot, nailing their first four attempts of the game from beyond the arc. Penn State outscored Bucknell 33-15 in the first quarter, with Moriah Murray beating the Bison all on her own, scoring 16 first-quarter points.

Murray finished the game with a career-high 28 points, accounting for eight of the team's 11 threes.

“I can’t talk enough about how much growth she’s had in the offseason, she’s one of the best shooters in the country," said coach Carolyn Kieger when asked about Murray’s role on the team this year. “She’s elevated her game in every aspect and I’m just tremendously proud of her.”

Bellarmine transfer Gracie Merkle made a name for herself in her Penn State debut. Playing for the first time since the 2022-23 season, Merkle has already found comfort in the BJC, finishing with 21 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks.

“She’s worked really hard this off-season to understand the physicality of the Big Ten,” said coach Kieger about Merkle. “She’s stepping out of her comfort zone and demanding the ball down low because she needs about 20 touches a game.”

There were moments when the Bison looked like they would make a comeback, outscoring the Lady Lions 20-18 in the second quarter, and trailing by just 10 at the end of the third quarter

Penn State was able to block the comeback by jetting up defensively and giving Merkle more touches on the low post.

The Lady Lions' full-court press and aggressive defense rattled Bucknell, scoring 33 points off 22 Bison turnovers.

“I think we have a big emphasis on being tough and that starts with defense,” said Moriah Murray. “We just press and make the other team turn the ball over, which all goes back to staying disciplined.”

A Gabby Elliott three-pointer with under five minutes left gave Penn State the 81-62 and appeared to seal the deal for the Lady Lions.

“It’s exciting to be back in the BJC with great energy from our team,” said coach Kieger. “A lot of work has been put in the offseason, our four returners are setting the tone and leading the way.”

With lots of new faces Penn State is already off to a promising start. The Lady Lions will look for more dominance when they host Canisius on Thursday 6 p.m.

Gianna Dowling is a second-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email gmd5738@psu.edu.