Nov. 18, 2006 - A release by Elizabeth Webber - LANCASTER, PA - Franklin & Marshall College forward Brittany Braxton opened the season with 11 points and 17 rebounds, as the Diplomats fell to Penn State-Altoona 66-60 in the first day of the 2006 Franklin & Marshall College Terry Greene Tip-Off Classic at the Mayser Center.

Entering the second half ahead 22-19, F&M fell behind just 27 seconds into play, as Altoona guards Brittany Poorman and Erin McGowan hit back-to-back three-pointers to put Altoona ahead 25-22. Shanise Thornton and Kristen Twardon followed up with field goals to give Altoona a decisive 29-22 lead.

The Diplomats did not falter, however, as guard Sarah Meisenberg recorded a half high 16 points to keep F&M in the game. With 1:23 left on the clock and the score knotted at 60, there was little F&M could do, as Penn State-Altoona netted six free throws to pull out of reach.

Overall, Meisenberg finished the game making eight-of-10 shots from the field, five rebounds, one assist, and two steals, while DiPallo recorded a team high 17 points, including seven-of-10 from the field and three-of-six from the charity strip, seven rebounds, four assists, one block, and one steal.

For Altoona, Thornton netted a game high 18 points with seven rebounds, two blocks, and one steal, as Poorman added 15 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Play continues, as Franklin & Marshall faces Villa Julie College Sunday, November 18 in the consolation bracket at 1:00 pm. Penn State-Altoona looks to face Carnegie Mellon University in the championship match at 3:00 pm.