With a point margin of only -4.2, the Ladies were bound to get out of their 4 game slide at some point. Why not in front of the hopeful Lakers? Why not take down 2-6 GLIAC opponent Mercyhurst? That seemed to be a good idea, as they did just that. Improving their record to 3-5, they beat Mercyhurst 87-76.

The game seemed as it would go the same way that many of their others would, as they started the game out trailing by 9 4:53 into the first half. Scrappy defense and some hot shooting got the Lakers back into the game. The Lakers made their move as they made 3 3-pointers in the next three minutes and shot 6-9 in the first half from long range.

Head Coach Jamie Pewinski said: “Mercyhurst came out and shot the ball really well in the first few minutes. It is something they have done in a couple of games, so we knew we just needed to be steady and pressure them a little more. Once we got settled in, our defense took over and we were able to get out on the break and score some easy baskets.”

 A highlight came from 5’7 senior Guard Amanda Epolito who had a quick three steals with closing in on the end of the half, in only 1:54. She finished with a season high 8 points to go along with her 3 assists.

The shooting for both teams was why the Lakers had an 11 point lead at the end of the half. LSSU unloaded 29 shots and made 19 of them, a percentage of 65.5%. LSSU held Mercyhurst to a mediocre 44% on 25 shots. They kept them away from the free throw line a bit better than they had in their last game when they allowed 12 shots from the charity stripe in the first half.

The second half was a Laker scare. Mercyhurst was able to cut their deficit and actually lead by 2. In the span that they ran, Mercyhurst was allowed to pull down 11 rebounds, 4 offensive, in the 6 minutes it took them to take the lead.

“For some reason, we are struggling to get going after 1/2 time. We certainly didn’t play with the same intensity or urgency that we had late in the 1st half.  That allowed Mercyhurst to get comfortable and score early. Once we decided to turn it up and get our feet moving, we were able to get some stops and put the pressure back on them.”

The Lakers were not deterred though. Epolito nailed a three to give the lead back to LSSU, quickly followed by a basket for Emily Joseph, which was in turn followed by a 3-pointer by Allison Jayne, which was followed 1 minute later by Emily Joseph. This gave LSSU a comfortable 10 point lead that they would hold onto, and expand to capture their first home victory of the season.

“All night, we were able to get good shots and we stayed aggressive going to the basket, even when they were making their run. I was happy with the way we came back after they made the run in the initial part of the 2nd half.  It was very good to come back like that and get the win!”

LSSU was able to get 4 players over 14 points, all starters. Joseph had 14, Danielle Makins had 16, Allison Jaynes had 19 and Shalyn Beauchamp had a game 22 points.

Mercyhurst’s Amy Achesinski had 19 points, 9 boards 5 offensive, and three steals which made an overall monster game.

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