NEW BRITAIN, PA – The Colonels traveled to meet Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Freedom foe Delaware Valley.  The matchup was the first of a home and away doubleheader against the Aggies.
 
The Colonels (1-3, 1-3 MACF) started out strong against the Aggies (1-4, 1-2), but fell behind in the second period.  They were unable to recover and dropped the game 59-42.
 
Wilkes jumped out to a 7-2 lead in the early going fueled by a team effort.  Senior guard Maddie Kelley (Dallas, PA/Dallas) kept Delaware Valley at arm's length, sinking a three pointer and a layup to maintain the Colonels five-point advantage late in the period.  
 
The Colonels headed into the second up two, and the teams tussled back and forth to a 21-point tie with 4:21 left in the quarter.  The Aggies would finish the period on a 10-2 run to put distance between themselves and the Colonels heading into the break.  An 8-2 Colonel run would put them within five points of Delaware Valley, but the Aggies would finish the period up by 12.  The Aggies finished the game with their biggest lead of the night as they took down the Colonels 59-42.
 
Kelley led all Colonels with 15 points on the evening.  First year center Erin Shober (Reading, PA/Wilson) put together a strong performance, leading the Navy and Gold with three blocks and 11 rebounds, while senior forward Gabby Smicherko (Edwardsville, PA/Wyoming Valley West) had six points, six rebounds, and a team-leading five assists for the night.
 
The Colonels look to even up the series with Delaware Valley as they return to the Marts Center tomorrow night.  Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.