Jan. 26, 2008

Box Score

Detroit, Michigan - Despite a career high 38 points from freshman Amy Achesinski, the Mercyhurst women's basketball team could not pull out a win in a 93-73 loss to the Wayne State Warriors Saturday. Achesinski and Mara Dreiser were the only Lakers to score in double-figures.

Achesinski struggled offensively two days ago, going without a field goal and scoring just three points against Hillsdale Thursday. But she was 13-of-16 shooting Saturday, 12-of-15 from the free-throw line, and added eight rebounds for the Lakers. The 38 points is the highest single game total for a Mercyhurst player in more than 15 years. She is the first Laker to score 30 in a game since Amy Galla had 32 against Lake Superior State in 2001.

Wayne State went on a 20-4 run to erase an early 16-14 deficit but the Lakers fought back to cut the gap to 10 points at 44-34 by the half. The Lakers shot 62 percent from the field in the opening half but committed 11 turnovers and forced just five. As well, Wayne State had 12 offensive rebounds in the first 20 minutes.

The Warriors came out of the gates roaring in the second half, pulling away from Mercyhurst and leading by as many as 29 points twice in the second half. Achesinksi tallied 22 points in the second half and pulled down six rebounds, but the Warriors had impressive offensive appearances as well. Wayne State's Brooke Bowers scored 35 points, and Chastidy Miller contributed 20.

Dreiser continued to help offensively with 10 points and five rebounds, while Stevie Spetoskey also tallied eight points and four rebounds. The Lakers struggled from the three-point line, making just 2-of-9.

Mercyhurst is now 6-14 on the year and 1-9 in the GLIAC. Wayne State evened up its conference record at 5-5 and is 9-8 overall.

The Lakers will return to Erie to face Northwood Thursday at 6 p.m.