BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Northampton women's basketball team broke away from a 12-12 deadlock after the first quarter, outscoring Delaware County 19-4 in the second quarter to take a 31-16 halftime lead and then coasted to a 68-45 victory on Thursday evening at the Spartan Center. 

The Spartans forced the Phantoms into 29 turnovers, including 15 steals, and turned that into 24 points to help propel them to the win.  "Defensively we did a very good job in the 2nd quarter forcing some steals which allowed us to get out in transition for some easy baskets," remarked Head Coach Alyssa Bonenberger. 

Ashley Robinson (East Stroudsburg, PA /East Stroudsburg South) paced the Spartans with 20 points, while Maria Pezzino (Nazareth, PA/Bethlehem Catholic ) added 14 points and 8 rebounds.

Briona McClain (Stroudsburg, PA /Pocono Mt. West ) recorded another double-double, scoring 10 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, while Mary Theresa Lehman (Wilkes-Barre, PA/Wyoming Seminary ) dished out a team-high 8 assists.

The win moves Northampton to 3-1 overall, while Delaware falls to 1-2. 

The Spartans have a big challenge on Saturday as they travel to Paterson, NJ to face defending Region XIX Champions, Passaic County Community College at 12pm.