SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. -- The Kutztown University women's basketball team led from start-to-finish in a convincing 62-44 victory over Fayetteville State during the final game of the CIAA/PSAC Challenge at Shippensburg Saturday afternoon.

Abbey Hearn (Lewes, Del./Cape Henlopen) led the way for the Golden Bears with 17 points and seven rebounds. Naia Pulliam (Wilmington, Del./St. Elizabeth) contributed 15 points, eight rebounds, and a game-high five assists, while Casey Remolde (Philadelphia, Pa./Saint Basil Academy) finished with 11 points and six rebounds.

Despite shooting just 34% from the field and 25% from the three-point line, KU's defense kept them comfortably ahead for most of the game. Olivia Smelas (Jim Thorpe, Pa./Jim Thorpe) picked up her first career double-double, grabbing 11 rebounds to go along with 10 points. Kutztown (1-1) grabbed 48 rebounds in the contest, which are the most in a game since they had 49 against Edinboro on Dec. 19, 2021.

Both teams took some time at the start to find their rhythm, but the Golden Bears would eventually find their scoring touch with a 9-0 run to finish the quarter with a 21-8 lead. The Broncos (0-2) stopped the momentum from carrying into the second quarter, holding Kutztown to just nine points to go into the half down just seven.

In the second half, KU greatly improved its shooting, jumping from 24% in the first to 46% in the second. Kutztown held Fayetteville State to just 33% from the field in the second half while outrebounding the Broncos 20-12.

It was all Kutztown in the final quarter. KU started the fourth on an 8-2 run and never looked back, outscoring the Broncos 15-7 to secure the 18-point victory.

The Golden Bears will be back in action this Wednesday as they head to Lakewood, N.J. to take on Georgian Court. Tip-off for the game is set for 6 p.m.  
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