Philadelphia, PA, December 8, 2025
The La Salle women’s basketball team faced a tough defeat against Penn with a final score of 65-52. Despite a strong effort in the third quarter, where they surged with a 15-0 run, the Explorers couldn’t maintain the momentum. Aryss Macktoon was the standout player for La Salle, contributing 15 points, while Ashleigh Connor added 12 points and seven assists. La Salle’s overall record now stands at 6-3 with hopes for improvement in their upcoming games, including a match against UMES.
Philadelphia, PA – The La Salle women’s basketball team faced a challenging defeat against Penn on Sunday afternoon, ending the contest with a score of 65-52 at Finneran Pavilion. The Explorers aimed to bounce back from their early struggles but ultimately fell short, despite a strong effort in the third quarter that momentarily energized their play.
Game Highlights
Penn established a solid lead in the first half, going into halftime with a comfortable 29-18 advantage. However, La Salle emerged from the locker room invigorated and immediately connected on a 15-0 run during the third quarter, closing the gap to 29-33. Unfortunately for the Explorers, their surge was short-lived as Penn regained control heading into the final quarter, ultimately sustaining their lead to secure a 13-point victory.
Key Performances
Junior guard Aryss Macktoon was the standout performer for La Salle, scoring 15 points while grabbing seven rebounds, making five steals, and contributing three assists. Redshirt junior guard Ashleigh Connor also delivered a commendable performance, finishing the game with 12 points, a career-high seven assists, and four steals. Other noteworthy contributions came from sophomore Joan Quinn with six points and four rebounds, and freshman Amiya Moses, who added five points and four boards off the bench.
Statistics Breakdown
Despite showcasing defensive tenacity by forcing 21 turnovers from Penn, La Salle’s shooting efficiency hampered their chances. The Explorers made only 35% of their field goals and struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 25%. In contrast, Penn capitalized on their opportunities, shooting 44% from the field and 33% from three-point range, evidencing their offensive command throughout the game.
Looking Ahead
Following this setback, La Salle holds an overall record of 6-3 and currently stands at 1-0 in the Atlantic 10 conference. The team will seek to rebound as they prepare for their next matchup against UMES on Sunday, December 14, at 2:00 PM. The Explorers remain determined to leverage their defensive strengths and improve their shooting accuracy in upcoming games.
Impact on Philadelphia’s College Athletics
This game underscores the ongoing effort of Philadelphia’s college athletics to compete at high levels and develop student-athletes. The community’s support for these programs plays a critical role in fostering a competitive spirit that resonates far beyond the basketball court. As La Salle navigates the season, the potential for growth and improvement reflects the determination and work ethic that have come to define collegiate sports in Philadelphia.
As local sports continue to flourish, engagement from the community, private investments, and university initiatives play a vital part in propelling these programs toward success. Encouraging students to participate in athletics not only boosts school pride but also strengthens community ties and reduces barriers for aspiring athletes.
Encouraging Future Support
As the La Salle women’s basketball team prepares for future challenges, local support will be key in their growth. Fans and community members are encouraged to attend games and show their support for these dedicated student-athletes, reinforcing the value of hard work, dedication, and teamwork within the Philadelphia sports landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the La Salle vs. Penn women’s basketball game?
The final score was 65-52 in favor of Penn.
How did La Salle perform in the third quarter?
La Salle initiated a 15-0 run in the third quarter, narrowing the deficit to 29-33.
Who were the standout players for La Salle in this game?
Junior guard Aryss Macktoon led with 15 points, seven rebounds, five steals, and three assists. Redshirt junior guard Ashleigh Connor added 12 points, seven assists, and four steals.
What is La Salle’s record after this game?
La Salle’s record stands at 6-3, with a 1-0 record in the Atlantic 10 conference.
When is La Salle’s next game?
La Salle will play against UMES on Sunday, December 14, at 2:00 PM.
Key Features of the Game
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | 65-52 in favor of Penn |
| La Salle’s Third-Quarter Run | 15-0 run narrowing the deficit to 29-33 |
| Standout Players for La Salle | Aryss Macktoon (15 points, 7 rebounds, 5 steals, 3 assists); Ashleigh Connor (12 points, 7 assists, 4 steals) |
| La Salle’s Record | 6-3 overall, 1-0 Atlantic 10 |
| Next Game | Against UMES on Sunday, December 14, at 2:00 PM |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
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