UNIONTOWN, PA. – A balanced Apprentice School Lady Builders used a pair of strong runs in each half to defeat Penn State Fayette Roaring Lions 84-52 in the consolation round of the USCAA Nationals on Thursday afternoon.

With the win, the Apprentice School (17-8) will advance to face ninth-seeded Penn State Brandywine on Friday at 11 am for ninth place in the event.  Brandywine defeated the Lady Builders in a December tournament at Penn State Brandywine.

A Jasmine Pringle 3-pointer put the Lady Builders ahead 7-6 with 15:$4 left in the first half before the Roaring Lions outscored them 6-0 over the next 1:22 to lead 12-7 on a a Kaitlyn Novak 3-pointer.  Apprentice School regained the lead on the strength of an 11-2 run over the ensuing 5:15 to lead 18-14 on a Tysheka Simpson jumper with 9:07 left.

Penn State Fayette wouldn't go away completely in the first half as they kept the game within striking range trailing 23-21 on a Jill Guthrie layup with 4:18 left.  Apprentice School answered with a 15-1 spurt over the next 2:42 to lead 38-22 on a Courtney Collins layup with 1:36 left.

In the second half, the Roaring Lions got to within 12 points on a pair of Kasey Ruble free throws with 13:44 left.  Apprentice School closed out any hope for Fayette on the strength of a 23-1 run over the next 9:33 with a pair of Arynn Easom free throws giving them a 75-41 advantage.

Denise Hamilton topped the Lady Builders in scoring with 13 points, while Collins added 12 points and 11 rebounds and Danita Whitaker had 11 points and seven rebounds.  Tamara Davis and Tyisha Battle chipped in eight points each, while four Lady Builders had seven points each.  Davis also hauled in nine rebounds, had six assists and six steals in the game.