KEYSER, W.Va. — WVU Potomac State College played nearly perfect defense in the first half, leading to a 71-48 win over Frederick on Wednesday.
“First half, did some things really well,” Potomac State head coach Larry Kruk said. “Really moved the ball, found some scoring. Rebounded the ball really well, played good defense. Second half, kinda a different story. I think we kinda coasted in the second half.”
The Catamounts (5-2, 4-1 NJCAA Region 20) held the Cougars (1-4, 0-3 Region 20) to five made field goals in the first half.
Frederick shot 4 of 14 (28%) from the field in the first quarter and 1 of 16 (6%) in the second quarter.
“Fundamentally, we were doing a lot of things really well,” Kruk said. “Closing out, help defense, really picking them up well.”
The Catamounts out-rebounded the Cougars 24-5 in the first half including 16-2 in the second quarter.
Potomac State led 21-8 after one quarter, 39-10 at halftime and 53-32 after three quarters.
“I think we were wearing them out on offense and forcing them to have more opportunities which led to the fastbreak.”
A pair of Hampshire graduates led the Catamounts in scoring.
Liz Pryor scored 18 points with nine rebounds and a block.
Pryor was a first-team All-Potomac Valley Conference selection in 2023 and a two-time honorable mention All-Area selection in 2022 and 2023.
She tied for 20th in the area with 10.1 points per game in 2023.
Hannah Ault finished with 14 points, six assists and four rebounds.
Ault was also a first-team All-PVC selection in 2023 and an honorable mention All-Area pick in 2022 and 2023.
Ault was a second-team All-Area player in the 2021 season.
She tied for 18th in the area with 10.4 points per game in 2023.
“They bring leadership, they’re not overly vocal but they lead by example,” Kruk said. “Not just out on the floor, but in practice, in the classroom.”
Amber Bing recorded 13 points, three rebounds and two assists while Tenley Paugh added 10 points, three rebounds and two assists.
Bre Lawyer led Frederick with 15 points, adding two rebounds and two assists.
The Cougars finished 18 of 67 (27%) from the field and 1 of 21 (4%) from 3-point range.
The Catamounts shot 26 of 59 (44%) from the field and 8 of 14 (57%) from deep.
“We were moving the ball really well in the first half,” Kruk said. “Not so much second half, but in the first half we were moving, driving, kicking, finding the right person.”
Potomac State nearly doubled Frederick’s rebound numbers at 50-26.
The Catamounts host Chesapeake on Saturday at 1 p.m.