The Penn State Lady Lions are off to a strong start in the 2024–25 NCAA Division I women’s basketball season under sixth-year head coach Carolyn Kieger. As of December 22, 2024, the team holds a 9-3 record, positioning them 10th in the competitive Big Ten Conference.

Season Highlights:

• Non-Conference Play: The Lady Lions began their season with a commanding 90-68 victory over Bucknell on November 4, 2024. This win set a positive tone for their non-conference schedule, where they secured several notable victories.
• Big Ten Competition: Entering conference play, Penn State has faced formidable opponents, including a narrow 65-68 loss to Kansas on December 15, 2024. Despite this setback, the team’s performance has been competitive, indicating their potential to climb the conference standings.

Key Players:

• Makenna Marisa: As a senior guard, Marisa continues to be a driving force for the Lady Lions, leading the team in scoring and assists. Her leadership on and off the court is instrumental to the team’s success.
• Gracie Merkle: Standing at 6-foot-6, sophomore center Merkle has made an immediate impact after transferring from Bellarmine. Her presence in the paint has bolstered both the team’s offense and defense.

Upcoming Schedule:

The Lady Lions are set to continue their Big Ten schedule with a series of challenging matchups. Notably, they will host Rutgers on January 26, 2025, followed by a home game against Maryland on January 29, 2025. These games are crucial for Penn State as they aim to improve their conference standing.

Team Outlook:

Under Coach Kieger’s leadership, the Lady Lions have shown significant growth, building upon their 22-13 record from the previous season, which was their best since 2013-14. With a blend of experienced players and talented newcomers, Penn State is poised to make a substantial impact in the Big Ten and potentially secure a spot in the NCAA tournament.

Fans can look forward to an exciting season as the Lady Lions strive to achieve new heights in collegiate women’s basketball.

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