BEL AIR, Md. — The Harford Fighting Owls women's basketball team opened its 2025-26 season with a hard-fought 65-62 win over Penn State York on Tuesday night at the APGFCU Arena. Five Harford players scored in double digits.

Harford used a strong second quarter and steady late-game execution to secure the victory in front of a supportive home crowd in its season and home opener.

The first quarter saw both teams feeling out the pace, trading baskets and possessions in a balanced opening stretch. Trailing by two after the first quarter, the Fighting Owls began to assert themselves in the second, building momentum on the defensive end and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities.

Harford's pressure forced Penn State York into rushed looks and limited clean attempts near the rim, allowing the Fighting Owls to take control of the tempo heading into halftime.

That defensive surge helped Harford establish a cushion it would need later, as Penn State York regrouped and mounted a comeback in the second half. The Nittany Lions cut into the lead in the third quarter and continued to challenge in the fourth, but Harford remained composed when the game tightened.

Timely free throws, poise in the half court and physical rebounding helped the Fighting Owls close out the final minutes and hold on for the win.

Forward Amya Goodsell (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel) led Harford with a team-high 13 points, providing steady offense and drawing key fouls that allowed the Fighting Owls to maintain control when Penn State York began to build momentum.

Guard Sanaiya Edmond (Paint Branch) added 12 points and showed playmaking presence on both ends of the floor, lifting Harford in transition and helping secure key rebounds in the closing minutes.

Nehir Safkan (Mersin, Turkey) delivered an important scoring spark, contributing 11 points and giving Harford valuable minutes throughout the night.

The Fighting Owls' work on the glass played a major factor, as the team consistently extended possessions and disrupted Penn State York's rhythm. Harford generated second-chance scoring opportunities that proved especially important during stretches when shots were not falling.

Harford also capitalized on turnovers, converting defensive stops into transition points and preventing the Nittany Lions from controlling the pace.

Penn State York continued to challenge throughout the fourth quarter, narrowing the deficit to a single possession in the final minute. Harford, however, responded with discipline, working the clock, defending without fouling and finding high-percentage scoring chances in the paint and at the free-throw line.

The Fighting Owls' ability to stay settled in late-game moments allowed them to close out play confidently and secure the season-opening win.

For a team entering a new season with expectations built on depth, defensive toughness and rebounding, Tuesday's performance offered an encouraging foundation. Harford demonstrated the ability to turn defensive pressure into offensive rhythm, lean on its bench for productive minutes and execute in the final minutes of a close contest — all elements that translate well as the schedule intensifies.

The Fighting Owls (1-0) return to action on Thursday as they travel to Trenton, N.J. to take on Mercer County. Tipoff is slated for 5 p.m.