Philadelphia, PA, December 5, 2025
The University of Pennsylvania women’s basketball team showcased a strong performance, defeating the University of Maine 58-35. Senior guard Simone Sawyer led the Quakers with 21 points, while the team’s defense limited Maine to just 35 points, marking the lowest score by a Division I opponent against Penn since last year. The victory improves Penn’s record to 6-3. Next, they will challenge city rival La Salle in the prestigious Toyota Women’s Big 5 Classic.
Philadelphia, PA — The University of Pennsylvania women’s basketball team delivered an emphatic performance, defeating the University of Maine 58-35 at The Palestra. This victory boosts the Quakers’ season record to 6-3, showcasing their defensive prowess while Maine slips to 3-6.
Key Performances Stand Out
In a standout performance, senior guard Simone Sawyer led the Quakers, scoring a game-high 21 points, along with contributing three rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Junior center Tina Njike added 12 points and nine rebounds, just shy of her second double-double this season. Sophomore forward Katie Collins had a noteworthy outing with eight points and a career-high 13 rebounds, complementing her game with four blocked shots. Mataya Gayle also shone, contributing six points, four rebounds, and four assists.
Defensive Masterclass
The Quakers demonstrated a commanding defensive effort, limiting Maine to just 35 points—the lowest score by a Division I opponent against Penn since January 2023. Maine struggled offensively, posting a mere 19.6% shooting rate from the field and a dismal 5.9% from beyond the arc. The Black Bears’ leading scorer, Adrianna Smith, managed to put up 10 points and eight rebounds yet faced relentless pressure from Penn’s defense.
Gameplay Breakdown
The Quakers established their dominance early, outscoring Maine 18-8 in the first quarter. By halftime, Penn was leading 37-18, with Sawyer scoring 11 points in the second quarter alone. In the third quarter, Maine attempted to mount a comeback, but Penn maintained control, entering the final quarter ahead 53-29. The final score reflected a cohesive performance with Penn securing the victory with a 58-35 margin.
Future Matchup
Looking ahead, the Quakers will face city rival La Salle on Sunday, December 7, at 12:00 PM in the esteemed Toyota Women’s Big 5 Classic at Villanova’s Finneran Pavilion. This game represents a significant opportunity for the team to continue building momentum within Philadelphia’s competitive collegiate athletics scene.
The Philadelphia area continues to demonstrate a robust support network for college athletics, with community initiatives and private investments playing a pivotal role in the growth of local sports programs. The success of teams like Penn’s women’s basketball reflects positively on the state’s broader athletic landscape.
Involving private initiatives in collegiate sports fosters not only skill development but also promotes competition and resilience among student-athletes. As the Quakers progress through their season, they embody the spirit of perseverance and dedication, traits essential for fostering success in both athletics and academics.
Support for local teams underlines the importance of community involvement, encouraging fans to attend games and engage with student-athletes. With competitive matchups ahead, especially against city rivals, fans have an excellent opportunity to contribute to the thriving athletic culture in Philadelphia.
Conclusion
As the University of Pennsylvania women’s basketball team continues to pursue excellence, their recent victory over Maine showcases not only their skills on the court but also the importance of community support in collegiate athletics. Fans are encouraged to rally behind their teams as they participate in upcoming competitions and reinforce the local sporting community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the game between Penn and Maine?
The final score was 58-35 in favor of the University of Pennsylvania.
Who led the University of Pennsylvania in scoring?
Senior guard Simone Sawyer led the Quakers with a game-high 21 points.
What is the University of Pennsylvania’s current season record?
The Quakers have a season record of 6-3 following this victory.
When is the next game for the University of Pennsylvania women’s basketball team?
The Quakers will play against La Salle on Sunday, December 7, at 12:00 PM in the Toyota Women’s Big 5 Classic at Villanova’s Finneran Pavilion.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | 58-35 in favor of the University of Pennsylvania |
| Leading Scorer for Penn | Senior guard Simone Sawyer with 21 points |
| Leading Scorer for Maine | Adrianna Smith with 10 points |
| Penn’s Season Record | 6-3 |
| Next Game for Penn | Against La Salle on Sunday, December 7, at 12:00 PM in the Toyota Women’s Big 5 Classic at Villanova’s Finneran Pavilion |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
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