Potomac State claims PCAA Championship

Lady Cats defeat Northampton to win second title in three years

KEYSER, W.V. - Ashley Heavener led four scorers in double figures with 17 points as Potomac State edged Northampton, 71-70, to win the Pennsylvania Collegiate Athletic Association championship Saturday afternoon at Dana G. Lough Gymnasium.

It is the second Pennsylvania state championship in three years for the Catamounts, who beat Manor (Pa.) 85-73 at Lough Gymnasium in the title game two years ago.

The PCAA is split into two divisions. Potomac State won the Western Conference and Northampton, of Bethlehem, Pa., was the Eastern champion.

Coach Jim Walton's Catamounts, who gained revenge for a 77-71 loss at Northampton in last year's championship game, is now 23-2. Northampton is 20-5.

Heavener also had five rebounds and three blocks in a solid all-around game. Brittany Skyles hit two three-point goals and had 14 points and four assists, and Julieanne Buckley added 12 points, six assists and five rebounds for the Catamounts.

Denise Johnson chipped in with 10 points and three steals, and Amanda McKim added nine points, seven rebounds and six assists. Maddie Crosby had six points and a team-high eight rebounds.

Brooke Bradley led all scorers with 26 points for Northampton, which led by 12 points early in the first half. Courtney Harman had 19 and Ashley Slater 15.

Potomac State scored 18 of the final 20 points of the first half for a 32-25 lead at the break. The Catamounts extended their lead to as many as 15 points, then held off a charge by Northampton, which scored 45 points in the second half.

Slater and Harman had 13 points and Bradley 11 in the Spartansý big second half.

The Catamounts answered with key contributions in the second half as well. Heavener scored 10 of her points in the second half, and Skyles hit both of her three-pointers and had nine.

Potomac State plays at Garrett Tuesday night.