ABINGTON, Pa. – Freshman Shayna Rodriguez (Philadelphia, Pa.) netted 16 points in the first quarter to aid the Nittany Lions to a 96-56 win over Penn College, Wednesday night.

The Nittany Lions improve to 7-2 overall and 3-2 in the North Eastern Athletic Conference, while Penn College fall to 3-6 and 3-4 in conference.

The Nittany Lions got out to a fast start with Rodriguez as she hit her first three shots from behind the arc, but Penn College kept the game close only down 14-11.  Abington went on to dominate the final five minutes outscoring the Wildcats 19-2 to end the first period.

In the second period Abington kept its foot on the gas with sophomore Brittany Keyes (Huntingdon Valley, Pa.) draining eight points in the first four minutes.  Defensively the Nittany Lions forced seven turnovers and held the Wildcats to 10 points.

The Nittany Lions scored the most first-half points this season as they went into the half up 58-23.  

Penn College fared better in the third quarter as they were able to match the Nittany Lions 22 points.

In the fourth quarter the Nittany Lions cruised to their 96-56 victory.

Abington was led by Rodriguez with 27 points and guards Janaiah Elum (Philadelphia, Pa.) and Elizabeth Jones (Philadelphia, Pa.) combined for 21 assists for the night. Defensively Madison Kimball (Jenkintown, Pa.) dominated the boards with 13 rebounds.

The Nittany Lions will travel to Keuka College to face the Wolfpack on Saturday January 16, at 3:00 p.m.