The Lady Statesmen (7-7, 0-2 MCC) led for much of the game, but fell behind by as much as four in the final two minutes. Carleigh Hobson (Jr., Lancaster, Calif., Antelope Valley CC) then knocked down a three-pointer, her only attempt of the afternoon, to cut the deficit to one with 50 seconds left.

Penn then produced another stop to give itself a final chance at victory. Christa Subbert (Jr., Stanton, Stanton HS), who led all players with 28 points, drove to the basket and was fouled, sending her to the line for two shots. Unfortunately, the junior missed both free throws and the Vikings (10-4, 1-1 MCC) were fouled. Amy Vos went to the other end and made both free throws, extending the lead to three points.

The Lady Statesmen were unable to get a final shot away as time expired and the team remained winless in league play this season.

Although struggling from inside three-point land, losing the overall shooting battle 41.4%-31.8%, Penn was extremely successful from behind the arc at 52.0% (13-25).

Subbert was 8-20 from the field, including a 6-14 showing from behind the arc. She also finished 6-8 from the charity stripe.

Nancy Chicas (Sr., San Francisco, Calif., San Mateo CC) and Samantha Darley (Jr., Gilbert, Ariz., Mesa CC) just missed double figures with nine points each, while Rachel Butler (Jr., Anaheim, Calif., Cerritos CC) contributed five points.

Butler also tied Chandra Melaragno (Sr., Hartville, Ohio, Marlington HS) and Janice Adams (Sr., Chicago, Ill., Austin HS) for the team high in rebounds with eight.

Chicas paced her squad with five assists, while Darley led all players with two steals.

Next: Penn returns home to host Stephens (Mo.) in non-conference action next Saturday at 2 p.m.