Penn (6-3) fell to William Jewell (Mo.) 74-52 Friday before rebounding to defeat Missouri Valley 74-63. Both programs are members of NAIA Division I, while the Lady Statesmen participate in NAIA Division II. William Jewell qualified for the national tournament a year ago.

On a night where the Lady Statesmen never led, Penn was cold from the floor Friday with a 31.5% clip.

After trailing 36-23 at the break, the team pulled to within 12 points on a few occasions, but could draw no nearer.

Christa Subbert (Jr., Stanton, Stanton HS) was the only Lady Statesmen player to reach double figures, finishing with 12 points, while Nancy Chicas (Sr., San Francisco, Calif., San Mateo CC) added nine points with team bests in assists (3) and steals (6). Her half dozen thefts tied a career high.

Subbert also led all players with two blocked shots.

Carleigh Hobson (Jr., Lancaster, Calif., Antelope Valley CC) contributed seven points off the bench in the loss, while Janice Adams (Sr., Chicago, Ill., Austin HS) and Rachel Butler (Jr., Anaheim, Calif., Cerritos CC) had six points apiece. Adams and Chicas both pulled down a game-high seven rebounds as Penn tied the Cardinals (4-2) on the boards 38-38.

Penn fared much better in its second game of the Classic, hitting 47.1% of its first-half shots in running out to a 37-26 halftime lead. The Vikings (2-5) narrowed the deficit to eight points in the early minutes of the second stanza, but the Lady Statesmen were too strong, especially at the free-throw line (16-21), and pulled away for good.

In addition to a respectable shooting performance (42.6%), Penn made big strides at the charity stripe with a 20-27 showing (MVC was just 11-16) and on the glass with a 43-30 edge in rebounds. The rebounding advantage, including a 20-10 mark in offensive boards, led to a 25-12 margin in second-chance scoring.

Subbert was once again in double figures with 15 points, highlighted by making all six of her free throws, but she was one-upped by Butler.

The junior was a perfect ‘10' in the victory, making all ten of her field-goal attempts for a game-high 20 points.

Subbert topped her squad with nine rebounds and matched Samantha Darley (Jr., Gilbert, Ariz., Mesa CC) with four assists. Darley just missed double figures with nine points (4-4 FT).

Chicas added seven points and Adams and Hobson both contributed six points apiece. Hobson guided the defensive effort as well with four steals.

The game was mainly contested inside the arc as the squads combined for just 14 three-point tries (Penn was 2-6).

"Friday was a tough loss," Lady Statesmen Head Coach Brian Spielbauer said. "We had a down game for the first time in a while, but rebounded nicely for Saturday. Rachel Butler was very strong for us on Saturday and we are very excited with her performance lately. Christa Subbert was also solid in both games."

Next: Penn returns to Oskaloosa Tuesday to host non-conference foe Dordt at 5:30 p.m.