LANGHORNE, Pa.- The Keystone College's women's basketball team pulled out a gritty 54–52 road win Wednesday night over Cairn University to open United East Conference play.

Ben Arsenault '12 picks up his first victory as the head coach of the Giants.

Phaneirra Barnett (Baltimore, Md./Edgewood) led the way with 12 points, a team-high 16 rebounds, and four blocks. Tayana Bibbins (Lincoln, Del./Sussex Technical) and Jayda Price (York, Pa./William Penn) collected 11 and 10 points, respectively.

The Giants struggled early, opening the game shooting just 15 percent in the first quarter, but their persistence on defense kept them within reach until the offense found its rhythm. By halftime, Keystone trailed by five, and the momentum swung sharply after the break.

A dominant 20–7 third quarter powered the Giants into control, fueled by improved ball movement and their best shooting stretch of the night.

Cairn mounted a late push behind standout efforts from Emily Brittin, who finished with 15 points, and Dezaray Bright with 13. The Highlanders cut the deficit to a single possession in the final minute, but Keystone held firm defensively on the final two trips to secure the win.

The Giants shot 30.2 percent (19-of-63) from the field, 22.7 percent (5-of-22) behind the three-point line, and 55 percent (11-of-20) from the charity stripe.

Cairn outrebounded Keystone, 47-38.

Keystone (1-8, 1-0 United East) return home to face Penn State Harrisburg on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 3:30 p.m.