JOHNSTOWN - Lauren Breon and Valarie Meiser combined for 18 of Juniata Mennonite's 27 points in the Lions' opening game against Northumberland Christian at the Cambria County Christian tournament, but it wasn't enough to float the Lions and they lost 53-27.
Northumberland's Alyssa Westner was a major factor in Juniata Mennonite's loss. Westner hit 14 field goals and went 3-6 from the line to score 31 of her team's 53 points.
"We knew we had to stop her," Juniata Mennonite coach Andy Meiser said of Westner.
"All but five of her points were in the paint. we just couldn't keep her out of there."
Meiser said that despite the loss his team showed some good signs, including getting to the foul line a number of times. The Lions' percentage from the line wasn't stellar, with the girls only hitting 3 of 14, but Meiser said the opening game has given Juniata a lot to build upon.
Juniata Mennonite (0-1) faces the Grier School today in the consolation game of the tournament.
