Box Score

Led by a game-high 18 points from freshman guard Jessica Venturelli and a tremendous defensive effort in the first half, the Albright College women's basketball team (2-0) was able to blow past the Mitchell College Mariners (0-2) by a final score of 72-41 in the opening round of the Saint Joseph College Tip Off Tournament on Friday evening.

Venturelli drilled five three-point shots on the night and went 6-for-11 from the field. She added four rebounds. Sophomore center Meghan Boyle put forth a double-double effort as she finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Albright locked down Mitchell in the first 20 minutes of play, as they limited the Mariners to just 12 points and 5-for-36 shooting. The Lions sprinted out to a 10-1 lead five minutes into the contest and increased the advantage to 24 on a layup by Victoria Smith with 6:38 left on the clock. They went into halftime with a 38-12 lead.

The Lions continued to expand on their advantage as the second half began. Albright scored the first nine points in the period, including back-to-back baskets from Kari Ludy.  A layup from Boyle created a 52-14 advantage with 16:54 to play, and the Lions coasted to victory to advance to the championship game.

Sophomore Shawn Barczynski had another solid performance off the bench as she finished with a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds. Senior Jenny Knoebel had 7 points and 11 rebounds.

Albright limited Mitchell to 22.4% shooting and forced 10 turnovers. The Lions also outrebounded the Mariners 44 to 21.

Mitchell was led by a double-double from Sheanna James, as she finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Albright advances to the championship game tomorrow afternoon at 3 p.m. They will play the winner of the Fisher/St. Joseph matchup.