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Rinfrette sets UPB scoring mark; Sheffield grad Isenberg gets career-high

BRADFORD – The Panthers had all but secured the comfortable home victory over La Roche, but a free throw with five minutes left in regulation erupted the KOA Arena the loudest it had been all afternoon.

Ali Rinfrette scored her 1,611th career point as she made the front end of a pair from the charity stripe to become the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford women’s basketball program’s all-time scoring leader.

The Bradford native’s school-record breaking free throw came as part of a game-high 23-point performance to lead Pitt-Bradford to an 88-60 win over seven-time defending Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference champion and conference preseason favorite La Roche Saturday at the KOA Arena.

“It’s surreal,” Rinfrette said on being atop the program’s scoring list. “It’s a great feeling, especially to do it at home, in my hometown, with my friends and family here. But I’m more excited for our team, beating a team that always comes to play and has beat us for years. We’re all focused on our goal to win a championship.”

The Panthers’ win over La Roche snapped an impressive conference game win streak of 28 for the Redhawks, and it’s the first time the Pitt-Bradford women’s basketball team has beaten La Roche since Feb. 14, 2015, a 64-52 victory.

“Today we really brought the energy,” said Head Coach Sharay Hall, who picked up her first collegiate conference win at the Panthers’ helm. “We were excited for this rivalry game and the team played the hardest I’ve seen them play all year. This is Pitt-Bradford basketball and we will continue to work at it every day. I am also proud of Ali for her accomplishment she has worked so hard for. The rest of the girls dedicated this win to her, and I am so proud.”

Jennifer Isenberg posted career bests in points and rebounds, scoring 20 points and pulling down 12 boards for her second double-double of the season.

In addition to Rinfrette’s scoring numbers, the senior grabbed nine rebounds – five of which offensive boards–and dished seven assists.

The two teams held strong in the first quarter, but the Panthers ended the period on a 10-2 run and took a 17-11 lead into the second quarter.

Isenberg scored nine points in the first quarter.

Pitt-Bradford will be in action next as the Panthers travel to Chatham Wednesday for a non-conference game.

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