PENN STATE VS. YALE: A BATTLE FOR MOMENTUM IN HAPPY VALLEY!

THE PRESS CENTER | THE NITTANY LEAK | SPORTS

NOVEMBER 29 2025

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State Lady Lions are set to bring their energy, grit, and determination back home to Rec Hall this Sunday, November 30, 2025, for a thrilling matchup against Yale. Tip-off is locked in for 1 p.m. ET, and the Blue & White are ready to close out November with purpose, power, and pride.

This isn’t just another game—it’s a chance to affirm the Lady Lions’ growth, showcase their resilience, and push their record to 6-1 after a strong showing at the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament.

🏀 GAME INFORMATION

• Opponent: Yale Bulldogs
• Date/Time: Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025 | 1 p.m. ET
• Location: University Park, Pa. | Venue: Rec Hall
• Coverage: Live Stats | Watch: B1G+ | Notes | Radio
• Admission: Ticketed

💪 LAST TIME OUT – Building Momentum

The Lady Lions proved their toughness with an 83-67 victory over San Diego State on Nov. 24.

• Gracie Merkle dominated with 26 points and her third double-double of the season (12 rebounds).
• Kiyomi McMiller continued her scoring streak, hitting double digits for the sixth straight game with 19 points.
• Freshman Nyla McFadden had a breakout performance: 10 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 assists.
• Penn State owned the paint, outscoring SDSU 48-22, and controlled the boards with a 45-32 rebounding edge.

This win was more than numbers—it was proof of Penn State’s ability to rally, reset, and rise above early adversity.

🔎 SCOUTING THE BULLDOGS

Yale enters with determination, seeking their second win of the season after a tough start (1-6).

• Ciniya Moore leads the charge with 16.0 PPG, including a 22-point performance against American.
• Kiley Capstraw (13.6 PPG) and Luisa Vydrova (10.3 PPG) provide consistent scoring support.
• The Bulldogs are rebuilding after a 4-23 season in 2024-25, but they bring fight and hunger to every contest.

📖 SERIES HISTORY

• Penn State and Yale have met only once before—back in 1985 at Rec Hall.
• The Lady Lions claimed a 50-point victory in that historic matchup.
• Sunday marks a chance to write the next chapter in this rare series.

🌟 LADY LIONS IN THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT

Penn State’s stars are not just shining—they’re blazing trails across the NCAA:

• Gracie Merkle:
  • 2nd in the nation in field goals (65)
  • 4th in FG% (72.2%) – 1st in the Big Ten
  • 6th in points per game (23.8)
• Kiyomi McMiller:
  • 13th nationally in field goals (52)
  • 7th in attempts (117) – 1st in the Big Ten
• Moriah Murray:
  • 15th nationally in three-pointers per game (3.17)
  • 1st in the Big Ten in triples per game

Team Rankings:

• 7th nationally in FG% (51.6)
• 7th nationally in 3PT% (40.2)
• 13th in scoring offense (86.7 PPG)
• 10th in assists per game (20.5)

This is a team rewriting its narrative—proving that last season’s struggles are fuel for this year’s fire.

🔥 NEW FACES, NEW ENERGY

Head Coach Carolyn Kieger has infused the roster with fresh talent and veteran leadership:

• Transfers:
  • McMiller (Rutgers) – explosive scorer, averaging 18.7 PPG last season.
  • Evans (Georgia) – defensive presence and rebounding depth.
• Dual-Sport Athlete:
  • Maggie Mendelson (Volleyball/Basketball) – joining after volleyball season.
• Freshmen Impact:
  • Tèa Clèante (France), Viktoria Ranisavljevic (Switzerland), Rachael Okokoh (Canada) – international experience.
  • Shayla Smith (Philadelphia) – broke Dawn Staley’s record, fastest to 1,000 career points.
  • Nyla McFadden – already making waves with her breakout performance.

📅 LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD

• 2024-25 Record: 10-19 overall, 1-17 Big Ten
• Highlight: Upset win over No. 9 Ohio State (Jan. 18, 2025) – first Top 10 win since 2012.
• Non-conference dominance: 17-straight home wins vs. non-B1G opponents at Bryce Jordan Center.

This season is about redemption, resilience, and rewriting history.

SOURCE CREDIT: WWW.GOPSUSPORTS.COM