Penn (7-6, 0-1 MCC), who never led in the contest, trailed by as much as 21 points in the second half before going on an impressive 20-4 run to cut the deficit to five at 64-59 with 4:20 left in regulation.

Unfortunately, the rally was too little as the Tigers (4-6, 1-0 MCC) finished strong by scoring 13 of the final 16 points for the win.

The Lady Statesmen managed to overcome a huge disparity in second-half shooting (70.0%-40.0%) by forcing Iowa Wesleyan in 19 turnovers after the break, which they turned into 29 points. The visitors had twice as many shots as their hosts in the second stanza (40-20).

It was not enough, however, with Penn eventually losing the percentage category 54.9%-37.1%.

Three players led the Lady Statesmen with 11 points each. Chandra Melaragno (Sr., Hartville, Ohio, Marlington HS) had one of the best games of her career by making all five of her field-goal attempts and going 1-2 at the free-throw line.

Christa Subbert (Jr., Stanton, Stanton HS) and Samantha Darley (Jr., Gilbert, Ariz., Mesa CC) also contributed 11 points each and Subbert pulled down a game-high ten rebounds as well for her first double-double of the campaign. The junior also paced all players with three blocks.

Rachel Butler (Jr., Anaheim, Calif., Cerritos CC) and Carleigh Hobson (Jr., Lancaster, Calif., Antelope Valley CC) both added eight points in the setback.

Nancy Chicas (Sr., San Francisco, Calif., San Mateo CC) scored just four points, but was productive in other areas with team highs in assists (3) and steals (5). Penn held an 11-8 edge in steals.

Next: Penn returns home to face rival Grand View in MCC action Saturday at 1 p.m.