Pitt-Johnstown women's basketball team ends season with win over Clarion

Five players score in double figures as Mountain Cats rally in second half for 80-72 victory

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Pitt-Johnstown women's basketball team ended its 2025-26 season on a high note, defeating Clarion 80-72 in their final game. Five different players scored in double figures, led by M'laya Ainsworth's 19 points and 9 rebounds. The Mountain Cats rallied from a 9-point deficit in the third quarter, going on a 17-1 run to take control of the game. Pitt-Johnstown shot 52.9% from the field and forced 17 Clarion turnovers, converting them into 30 points.

Why it matters

The win allowed Pitt-Johnstown to end its season on a positive note after a 10-17 overall record. The team honored four seniors - Lexi Margolis, Liv West, Riley Childress and M'laya Ainsworth - for their contributions to the program over the years. Clarion clinched the final playoff spot in the PSAC Western Division with the loss, setting up a first-round matchup with third-seeded Seton Hill.

The details

Pitt-Johnstown trailed by as many as 9 points in the third quarter before rallying with a 17-1 run to take control of the game. Ainsworth scored 7 points during that stretch, while freshman Angel Ezirim added 6. The Mountain Cats led by as many as 12 points in the fourth quarter and held on for the 80-72 victory. Pitt-Johnstown shot 52.9% from the field and 42.1% from 3-point range, while limiting Clarion to just 38.1% shooting, including 27.7% in the fourth quarter.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 1, 2026 as Pitt-Johnstown's senior day.
  • Clarion clinched the sixth and final Western Division playoff spot on Wednesday prior to this game.

The players

M'laya Ainsworth

A senior forward who led Pitt-Johnstown with 19 points and 9 rebounds in her final game.

Lexi Margolis

A senior guard who made a team-high 3 three-pointers and finished with 15 points.

Angel Ezirim

A freshman who scored 15 points and grabbed 6 rebounds for Pitt-Johnstown.

Liv West

A senior who contributed 13 points and 4 rebounds in her final game.

Riley Childress

A senior guard who had 12 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks while playing a team-high 38 minutes.

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What’s next

Clarion will visit third-seeded Seton Hill in the first round of the PSAC quarterfinals on Monday.

The takeaway

Pitt-Johnstown's win allowed the team to end its season on a positive note, honoring its four seniors and showcasing the depth of its roster with five players scoring in double figures. The comeback victory highlighted the team's resilience and competitiveness, providing momentum heading into the offseason.