PITTSBURGH – In its final game until January, the Penn State Altoona women's basketball team lost 97-41 to NAIA opponent Point Park University on Tuesday afternoon at CCAC-Allegheny.

Penn State Altoona (3-7) was unable to dig out of an early hole, as the Lions trailed by 25 points at the end of the first quarter. Point Park (7-6) forced 37 turnovers while limiting the visitors to a 25.4 percent field goal percentage.

Emma Kitko (Houtzdale, PA/Moshannon Valley) scored a team-high 12 points for the Lions while securing six rebounds. Jordan Bisignani (Pittsburgh, PA/Peters Township) added 11 points, and Jess Burns (South Fayette, PA/South Fayette) scored eight points.

Jaidyn McCracken (Bellwood, PA/Bellwood-Antis) and Emily Munson (New Hartford, CT/Northwestern Regional) tied for the team lead in rebounds by grabbing seven apiece, and Jordyn Travis (Penn Run, PA/United) had six rebounds.

Point Park got a game-high 18 points from Ari Bleda, while Tanner Hoffer had a double-double for the Pioneers with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Penn State Altoona found itself down 25-0 by the end of the opening quarter. The Lions found some success in the second period by scoring 18 points, including getting 10 from Kitko. But Point Park was still able to grow its lead, establishing a 49-18 advantage by the intermission.

Point Park widened its lead to as many as 57 points during the second half.

With Tuesday's game now behind it, the Penn State Altoona women's basketball team will pause for winter break, then return to action in early January with Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference games the rest of the way. The Lions start their conference schedule at home on Wednesday, January 4, hosting Alfred State College at 4:00 p.m.