The Penn State Lady Lions enter this season hoping to earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament after a disappointing end to last year’s season. Beginning 2-0 with wins over Dayton and Rider and scoring over 90 points per game are good ways to start.

The Lady Lions, coached by Coquese Washington, hope to do better than they did last season. After a promising 15-4 start, Penn State struggled down the stretch and ultimately fell to Hofstra in the first round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament. This year, Penn State returns eight players who have gotten off to a hot start.

After a 91-58 exhibition win over Gannon, the Lady Lions started the season at Dayton. The thrilling 112-107 double-overtime victory was followed by a 95-21 home win over Rider. The high-scoring Lady Lions have five players averaging double-digit point totals. Junior Zhaque Gray leads the team at 24.5 points per game, followed by sophomore Alex Bentley with 19.5.

Penn State has a hard schedule to start the season. Their next match-up is away at Oakland, followed by a tough South Carolina team at home. The Lady Lions are then taking part in three “Challenges.” First is the Caribbean Challenge in Mexico, with the ACC/Big Ten Challenge and Big Ten/Big Twelve Challenge just around the corner.

Penn State is aiming for a bid to the NCAA Tournament, and, if the first few games of this season are any indication, the Lady Lions should offer plenty of points and excitement along the way.