Jan. 12, 2008

Box Score

Erie, Pa. - In a see-saw battle with 20 lead changes and 15 ties, the Mercyhurst women's basketball team pulled out an 81-78 victory over Findlay Saturday to earn their first GLIAC victory. Four Lakers finished in double figures with Stephanie Prischak leading the way with 23 points, tying her career high.

With 29 seconds left, Findlay led by one before Paris Pugliese was fouled and finished both of her free throws to give Mercyhurst the advantage. Brittany Wells' forced shot was blocked by Amy Achesinski and Prischak brought down the defensive rebound. She was fouled and made both free throws for the 81-78 final.

In the first half, Mercyhurst jumped out to an early 15-7 lead six minutes into the game. Findlay battled back with a 12-3 run to take the lead for the first time at the six minute mark. The Oilers struggled from three-point range, going 1-for-8, due to defensive pressure from Mercyhurst on the perimeter. Both teams traded baskets for the remainder of the half with Findlay coming out on top at 34-32.

Mercyhurst became more of an offensive threat in the second half, scoring 49 points in the second half. The Lakers shot 55 percent from the field and 44 percent from the arc. Findlay made 5-of-9 three pointers in the second half, but the Lakers only had three turnovers in the final 20 minutes.

Prischak finished with 23 points and three rebounds, with Achesinski backing her up with 17 points and seven rebounds. Stevie Spetoskey contributed with 14 points and six rebounds and Samantha Loadman tallied 12 points and six rebounds.

Findlay falls to 7-7 overall and 2-4 in the GLIAC. The Lakers (6-10, 1-5 GLIAC) will travel to face Grand Valley State on Thursday. Game time is set for 6 p.m.