Nov. 17, 2007

Box Score

Erie, Pa. - The Mercyhurst women's basketball team dropped its home opener 80-67 to Le Moyne on Saturday afternoon. The Lakers outscored the Dolphins 44-39 in the second half, but could not overcome the 18 point first-half deficit.

Mercyhurst fell behind early as Le Moyne built up a 24-8 lead 10 minutes into the game, shooting 43 percent from the field. In the first half, Mercyhurst shot 39 percent from the field and went 1-of-7 on three pointers.

The Lakers fought back, though, and cut the gap down to seven with five minutes left in the half. Le Moyne, however, geared up its offense and scored the next 11 points to close out the half with a 41-23 lead.

In the second half, Mercyhurst stepped up its offensive effort and put up 44 points to Le Moyne's 39. The Lakers improved on its shooting in the second, as well, dropping 7-of-15 attempts and shot 41 percent from the field.

Stephanie Prischak led the Lakers with 18 points, four rebounds and three assists. Freshman point guard Samantha Loadman totaled 15 points, three rebounds and three assists, while freshman Amy Achesinski chipped in 11 points and eight rebounds.

Le Moyne's ability to finish made the difference in the game as it shot 21-of-23 from the charity stripe and finished with five players in double figures. Mercyhurst did not attempt a free throw in the first half and went 9-of-11 in the second.

Head coach Deanna Richard will look to improve her team's 1-1 record on Tuesday when the Lakers take on Northern Kentucky at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. Game time is set for 5:30 p.m.