While Gracie Merkle has been one of the most impactful players for Penn State over the year and a half she has been in State College, that fact was amplified in Sunday’s loss against Illinois.
Despite a 24-point performance along with seven rebounds from the junior center and strong showings from other guards, weak second and fourth quarters allowed the Fighting Illini to defeat the Lady Lions 92-76.
While Merkle had her strong night on efficient 8-of-12 shooting while going 80% from the free-throw line, being on the bench during key points of the game hurt the Lady Lions, with little help from those who were subbing in for her.