YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (Interstat) — The Youngstown State Penguins used a dominant rebounding effort and timely fourth-quarter shooting to fend off the Bucknell Bison 60-53 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Sunday at Beeghly Center.

In a contest defined by offensive struggles, Youngstown State’s work on the glass proved decisive. The Penguins corralled 15 offensive rebounds, leading to multiple second-chance opportunities that helped them maintain control throughout the second half. Despite shooting just 20 for 59 from the floor, their persistence paid off.

Bucknell, which fell to 1-3, kept the game within reach behind a strong performance from Elana Weisman. The 6-foot-2 forward from Burlingame, California, scored 17 points and grabbed six rebounds in 29 minutes. Anna Kunzwiler of Leesburg, Virginia, added nine points and seven rebounds for the Bison.

Youngstown State, now 3-1, was led by Erica King. The guard from Akron, Ohio, poured in 14 points and collected four rebounds in 33 minutes. The Penguins’ interior presence was bolstered by Sophia Gregory of Alliance, Ohio, who pulled down 10 rebounds to go with four points, and Faith Burch of Warren, Ohio, who added nine rebounds.

The game was a defensive battle from the start, with both teams struggling to find an offensive rhythm. The Penguins managed to build a slim lead in the first half and held a 25-22 advantage at halftime.

Bucknell continued to chip away in the second half, but critical plays from Youngstown State’s supporting cast kept the Bison at bay. Danielle Cameron of Olmsted Falls, Ohio, scored nine points, including a crucial three-pointer in the final minutes that helped seal the victory. Casey Santoro of Bellevue, Ohio, contributed seven points, eight rebounds and four assists in a full 34 minutes of action.

The Bison had a chance to narrow the gap in the final minute, but could not convert on key possessions, allowing the Penguins to secure the win from the free-throw line.

Youngstown State will look to continue its early-season success when it travels to face Mercyhurst on Thursday. Bucknell aims to get back to .500 when it visits Hofstra on Saturday.