Morristown, NJ - Kristina Clark's 35 points led the Lions in close victory over St. Elizabeth 68-66. The Lions victory was their first conference win of the 2015-16 season. 

The Lions traveled to St. Elizabeth tonight in their second conference game of the year. The Lions first quarter was highlighted by a 12-0 run toward the end of the quarter. Kristina Clark was the engineer of the Lions explosive first quarter, scoring 14 points. 

The Lions allowed the Eagles to get back in the game in the second and third quarter. Despite the Lions holding the lead going into the half. The Eagles continued to chip away at the Lions lead throughout the third quarter. With 4:18 left in the third the Eagles finally took the lead away from The Lions, but a made free throw by Robin McClinek tied the game back up at 46. Then Clark got to the free throw line 3 times helping the Lions get back the lead 50-48. But with :05 left the Eagles tied the game at 50 to end the quarter. 

Bryn Athyn still feeling the sting of the two overtime losses to the Eagles from last season needed to figure out a way to overcome the Eagles. Both teams exchanged baskets throughout the quarter. The Lions took a 5 point lead after two consecutive Clark lay ups. The Eagles battled back to get the score to 67-66 with :33 left. After a huge Sarah Elizabeth Atunrase defensive rebound, Bianca Felciano sealed the victory with a made free throw with :04 left in the game, 68-66.

Coach Kayla Felty, "We've been looking forward to this game since October 15th, since we lost here in overtime the past two seasons. We came out strong and executed the game plan, but knew they weren't going to go away. They're a solid team and they made a run but we stayed composed and matched them basket for basket. Kristina had a goal to win this game and she wasn't going to let there be any other outcome. She is truly becoming one of the best players in the conference and we feel very fortunate to have her on our team. These are the type of games where teams learn how to win for playoffs. As a staff, we are proud of our team effort tonight and look forward to conference play in the new year. "

Clark led the Lions with a season high 35 points and a game high 13 rebounds. She was 10-14 from the field and 15-20 from the free throw line. Atunrase again came off the bench and made a major contribution with team high three blocks and four rebounds. Samantha Hicks added 10 points and McClinek had nine points, eight rebounds and three steals. 

Clark stated,"I knew we had to play aggressive to win. We all wanted to win because of the tough losses we have taken the past few years with St. Elizabeth.  It was a redemption game for us, and I'm glad we came out on top."

The conference win puts the Lions at 1-1 in the NEAC and 3-3 overall. The Lions will be back in action in the New Year, Monday January 4th at 7:00 pm, as they travel east across the Ben Franklin Bridge to take on Rutgers Camden in non conference action.