Although the visitors did not shoot well (28.8% overall), Penn (9-8, 1-2 MCC) took advantage of a 54-33 edge on the boards and a 26-13 edge in turnovers forced to claim its first league victory.

The Lady Statesmen were much like a diesel engine on Saturday, taking a while to warm up, but once they did, they pulled away easily. They took the lead for good at 15-14, were ahead 24-21 at the break, and never looked back after intermission.

Penn outscored the Crusaders 22-0 in second-chance points and 20-10 in points off turnovers. The team's bench, which was ten deep compared to just two strong for Clarke (3-13, 0-3 MCC), outscored the home team's bench 22-2. Eleven different players scored in the win.

Rachel Butler (Jr., Anaheim, Calif., Cerritos CC) was the lone player for either team to reach double figures as she recorded ten points, six coming from the free-throw line (6-6). The junior also led Penn with eight rebounds

Christa Subbert (Jr., Stanton, Stanton HS) and Samantha Darley (Jr., Gilbert, Ariz., Mesa CC) both etched nine points, while Nancy Chicas (Sr., San Francisco, Calif., San Mateo CC) added seven to the cause. Subbert and Chandra Melaragno (Sr., Hartville, Ohio, Marlington HS) each collected three steals as Penn claimed 14 total thefts. Darley led all participants with three assists.

The Lady Statesmen were 16-21 at the charity stripe, while Clarke was just 6-8.

"This was a good team win," Lady Statesmen Head Coach Brian Spielbauer said. "We had a balanced attack and after showing a little rust in the first half, I think we got it going well in the second half, especially defensively and on the boards."

Next: Penn resumes MCC action by hosting Ashford Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.