Junior guard Amanda Nero scored 20 points, but the Slippery Rock University women's basketball team dropped a 61-57 decision Friday night to Pitt-Johnstown in the first round of the Clarion Classic.

The game was even at 53 with five minutes to play.

Senior center Nijha McNeely added 11 points and six rebounds off the bench for SRU(0-1), while senior forward KellyAnn Staudinger scored 10 points and grabbed nine boards.

Senior guard and Seneca Valley graduate Kara Spagnola had four assists, as did junior guard Chere' Marshall.

The Rock seeks its first win of the season at 4 p.m. Saturday when it faces Davis &Elkins in the Clarion Classic.

SRU opens its home schedule at 6 p.m. Tuesday, facing Fairmont State.

Butler County Community College (women) 62, Anne Arundel 41 — The Pioneers (1-1) received 26 points from Butler graduate Ashley Nocera, who drained five 3-pointers.Slippery Rock High graduate Leah Roth added 13 points.