PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle at The Palestra, the Penn Quakers edged the Norfolk State Spartans 55-50 in a non-conference women’s basketball game on Tuesday night.

The game was a low-scoring affair defined by tenacious defense and offensive struggles from both sides. Penn improved its record to 4-1 with the victory, while Norfolk State fell to 2-4.

The Quakers never trailed after the first quarter but were never able to put the game fully out of reach. Penn took a 26-24 lead into halftime and maintained a slim 41-40 advantage heading into the final period. The Spartans stayed within striking distance throughout the fourth quarter, but the Quakers made key plays down the stretch to secure the five-point win.

Penn’s victory was a balanced effort. Tina Njike, a 6-foot-2 sophomore from Salt Lake City, led the Quakers with 12 points. She was complemented by Simone Sawyer, who added 11 points, and Saniah Caldwell, who chipped in nine points and three assists. Katie Collins was a force defensively, recording three blocks to go with her nine points.

Norfolk State was led by Cire Worley, a Philadelphia native who scored a team-high 13 points in her return to her hometown. Guard Jasha Clinton added 10 points and three assists for the Spartans.

The game was characterized by physical play and frequent turnovers. Norfolk State’s Carmen Kweti was a disruptive presence inside, blocking two shots in the first quarter alone. Both teams struggled to find a consistent shooting rhythm from the field.

The contest was played before an intimate crowd of 206 at Penn’s historic Palestra. The Quakers will look to build on the win when they host Saint Joseph’s next Monday. Norfolk State returns home to face Hampton on Friday.