Through its first 25 games, the Penn College women’s basketball team has reached not only new NCAA era (since 2014) heights, but program marks, as well. Going into Saturday’s United East Conference quarterfinal, it looks to go even farther.

On Saturday at 1 p.m., the second-seeded Wildcats of coach Britni Mohney, 19-6 overall and 11-2 in the conference, will host No. 7 Lancaster Bible College, a 68-63 winner over No. 10 Gallaudet University on Wednesday. In the regular-season meeting against LBC, Penn College won, 63-44.

The winner of Saturday’s game will advance to a semifinal on Tuesday, with the conference championship game set for Saturday, Feb. 28.

En route to its program-tying, and regular-season record 19 wins, equaling a mark set in 2005-06, Penn College opened this season with a five-game win streak, improved to a program-best 9-1 after 10 games and finished with three five-game win streaks. A win on Saturday would give it six in a row.

During the regular UE season against other playoff teams, the Wildcats were 7-2, losing only to top-seeded St. Mary’s (Md.) College, 66-49, and fifth-seeded Notre Dame (Md.) University, 68-61.

Statistically, in conference games only, Penn College is averaging 65.6 points per game and allowing 48.6.

Other playoff teams, their records, and UEC stats going into the playoffs include:

1. St. Mary’s (Md.) 13-0 conference, 20-5 overall, 85.2-40.6; 3. Penn State Abington 11-2, 18-6, 74.5-53.7; 4. Cedar Crest 9-4, 17-8, 68.6-54.2; 5. Notre Dame (Md.) 8-5, 12-11, 66.2-49.2; 6. Wilson College 8-5, 15-10, 65.5-64.5; 7. Lancaster Bible College 8-5, 10-15, 62.3-56; 8. Penn State Harrisburg 7-6, 8-17, 60.8-60.5; 9. Penn State Brandywine 5-8, 6-19, 52.2-62.3; 10. Gallaudet University 4-9, 6-16, 54.5-59.1.

Individually for the Wildcats in conference-only games, Gigi Parlante, of Williamsport, is averaging 15 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.4 blocks and 2 steals per game; Kayla Herzer, of Brick, New Jersey, is averaging 7.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game; Mia Patterson, of Loyalsock Township, is averaging 6.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game; Breana Valentine, of Fairfield, is averaging 4.2 assists and 2.8 steals per game; Kenni Galbreath, of Shrewsbury, is averaging 2.5 assists per game; and RaeAnna Andreas, of Berwick, is averaging 2.3 assists and 2.2 steals per game.

In all games, Parlante is averaging 16.2 points, Valentine 12.5 points, and Lexi Troup, of Huntingdon, 10.1 points.

“Our regular season reflected consistency, resilience, and growth. Finishing with 19 wins and tying a program-best single-season mark is something our team takes a lot of pride in. To have three five-game win streaks shows this group’s ability to respond, regroup, and sustain success over time. It wasn’t just talent; it was buy-in, preparation, and a commitment to doing the little things every day; discipline has been a word we have preached through conference play this season,” Mohney said.

The coach continued, “Heading into the postseason, our biggest keys are discipline, defensive intensity, and staying true to our identity. When we defend at a high level, control the boards, and take care of the basketball, we put ourselves in a position to win. Postseason basketball is about execution and composure, so maintaining our focus possession by possession. If we can continue to disrupt on defense to fuel our transition offense and stay within our style of basketball, we will do well as a team.

“We feel confident in our preparation and experience against this side of the bracket. We’ve already beaten Lancaster Bible on the road, which gives us belief in our ability to perform in tough environments. We’re 7-2 against common playoff opponents, with one of our loses coming from No. 5 seed Notre Dame, a strong program that challenged us to grow. Our outlook is to remain confident and positive. If we continue playing with urgency and embrace the moment, we like our chances to make a strong run.”

For additional information, visit the Wildcats Athletics website.

For more about the United East, visit the conference website.