Penn Women’s Basketball Secures First Ivy League Win with 57-51 Victory Over Cornell

Penn Women’s Basketball Secures First Ivy League Win with 57-51 Victory Over Cornell

January 19, 2025 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor News

Penn Women’s Basketball Holds Off Cornell for First Ivy League Win

ITHACA, N.Y. — The University of Pennsylvania women’s basketball team showcased resilience and teamwork Saturday afternoon, securing a hard-fought 57-51 victory over Cornell at Newman Arena. The Quakers never trailed but had to withstand a late surge from the Big Red to claim their first Ivy League win of the 2024-25 season.

Stina Almqvist and Katie Collins delivered standout performances, each recording double-doubles, while Mataya Gayle tied for the team lead with 17 points. The win improved Penn’s overall record to 10-6, while Cornell dropped to 4-12 overall and 0-3 in conference play.

Key Highlights

  • Almqvist finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds, playing all 40 minutes. Collins added 10 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and a steal.
  • Gayle shined in the second half, scoring nine of her 17 points and adding three steals.
  • Simone Sawyer facilitated the offense with a team-high four assists.
  • Penn shot 38% from the field and held Cornell to 33.9%, while sinking nine three-pointers—their most since Nov. 30, 2024.

How It Unfolded

Penn set the tone early, with Gayle scoring the game’s first points. Saniah Caldwell knocked down two early three-pointers, helping the Quakers build a 13-5 lead. Cornell responded with a 5-0 run to close the first quarter, trailing 13-10.

Almqvist sparked a second-quarter push, hitting a three-pointer and a layup to extend Penn’s lead to 18-13. The Quakers maintained control, taking a 29-21 advantage into halftime thanks to Gayle’s second triple of the day and clutch free throws.

The third quarter saw Penn’s three-point shooting surge, with Gayle and Almqvist connecting from beyond the arc to stretch the lead to 36-23. Cornell fought back, cutting the deficit to 43-37 by the end of the period.

In the fourth, Gayle’s back-to-back baskets gave Penn a 10-point cushion, but Cornell rallied with an 8-0 run to pull within two points at 53-51. The Quakers sealed the win with four free throws in the final minute, securing their 15th consecutive victory over the Big Red.

Up Next

Penn returns to The Palestra for a quick turnaround, hosting Harvard on Monday, Jan. 20, at 2 p.m. The game will be broadcast on NBC Sports Philadelphia+ and streamed live on ESPN+.

Follow Penn women’s basketball on social media for updates and highlights.

The University of Pennsylvania women’s basketball team’s hard-fought victory ‍over Cornell marks ‌a significant milestone in their season, securing​ their first Ivy ​League win. This game not only highlighted the team’s‍ resilience and unwavering teamwork but also demonstrated their ability to perform under⁣ pressure. As⁣ they continue their journey through the season, ​this ⁣win serves as a testament to their determination ​and sets a​ strong foundation for ⁢future successes. With their eyes set on further achievements, the Quakers are poised to build on this momentum and make ⁢their mark ⁤in the Ivy League.For more tips on crafting impactful conclusions, refer to [1].
The University of Pennsylvania women’s basketball team’s victory over Cornell was a testament to their grit, determination, and ability to execute under pressure. By holding off a late surge from the Big Red,the Quakers not only secured their first ivy League win of the season but also demonstrated the depth of their roster and the strength of their collective resolve.stina Almqvist’s tireless effort, Katie Collins’ all-around contributions, and Mataya Gayle’s clutch second-half performance were pivotal in sealing the 57-51 triumph.

This win not only improves Penn’s record to 10-6 but also sets a positive tone as they continue their Ivy League campaign. The Quakers’ ability to maintain composure in a challenging surroundings like Newman Arena bodes well for their prospects in the competitive conference. As the season progresses, the team’s resilience and teamwork will undoubtedly be key factors in their pursuit of success. With this victory, penn has sent a clear message: they are a force to be reckoned with in the Ivy League.