STEWART MANOR, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a game defined by defensive pressure and efficient scoring, the Penn Quakers women’s basketball team secured a 67-55 victory over the Hofstra Pride on Saturday at the Mack Sports Complex.

The Quakers improved to 3-1 on the young season, while the Pride fell to 1-2.

Penn never trailed, establishing control early with a 20-point first quarter and maintaining a steady lead throughout the contest. The Quakers led 37-31 at halftime and extended their advantage by outscoring Hofstra 19-14 in the third quarter, entering the final period with a comfortable 56-45 lead.

The victory was anchored by a dominant performance from Simone Sawyer. The 5-foot-11 guard from Lincolnshire, Illinois, led all scorers with 21 points, adding nine rebounds in 34 minutes of action. She was a consistent force on both ends of the floor, contributing to Penn’s disruptive defensive effort.

Katie Collins of Manasquan, New Jersey, provided crucial support for the Quakers. The 6-foot-1 forward logged 37 minutes, scoring 13 points and dishing out four assists. Saniah Caldwell, a 5-foot-9 guard from Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, orchestrated the offense effectively, tallying five assists to go with eight points over 36 minutes.

For Hofstra, Ayen Angoi, a 6-foot forward from Lavon, Texas, led the way with 12 points and five rebounds. Emma Von Essen, a local product from Rockville Centre, New York, added 11 points and three assists. Alarice Gooden provided a spark off the bench, scoring 10 points in just 14 minutes of play.

The statistical story of the game was told in several key categories where Penn held decisive advantages. The Quakers’ defense was relentless, forcing 17 Hofstra turnovers and converting them into 16 points. Penn also controlled the glass, particularly on the offensive end, where they corralled 11 rebounds compared to Hofstra’s four, leading to critical second-chance opportunities.

While both teams shot an identical 21 field goals, Penn’s volume came from 53 attempts while Hofstra took 48. The Quakers’ edge came from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line. Penn connected on 10 of 24 three-point attempts, while Hofstra made 9 of 24. The disparity at the charity stripe was even more pronounced, with Penn converting 15 of 17 free throws and Hofstra managing only 4 of 6.

Penn’s ball movement was also superior, doubling Hofstra’s assist total with eight. Defensively, the Quakers recorded eight steals, limiting the Pride’s offensive flow and efficiency. Hofstra finished the game with an offensive rating of 86.1 points per 100 possessions, while Penn operated at a more efficient 106.2.

The game began with a series of administrative plays, including technical fouls on both benches before the opening tip. After Hofstra’s Emma Von Essen sank two technical free throws for the first points of the game, Penn quickly established its rhythm. A three-pointer from Simone Sawyer and a driving layup and free throw from Saniah Caldwell helped the Quakers build an early lead they would not relinquish.

Penn’s next contest is at home against Norfolk State on Tuesday. Hofstra will return to action next Saturday, hosting Bucknell.