Highland Heights, Ky. – Defending national champion and No. 1-ranked Northern Kentucky gave the Mercyhurst College women's basketball team more than it could handle, as the Norse cruised to a 78-38 victory over the Lakers Monday evening in Highland Heights, Ky.

With the loss, the Lakers even their record at 1-1 on the season while the Norse improve to 2-0 and extend an eight-game winning streak that dates back to last season.

Sophomore Amy Achesinski led the team with 15 points, shooting 6-for-7 from the field and 3-for-4 from the free-throw line. Junior Jackie Artise knocked down nine points and added two steals.

Behind a 26-point performance from East Carolina transfer Jessie Slack, Northern Kentucky was able to build a sizable 38-18 lead heading into halftime. Slack contributed ten of her points during a 25-12 run in the first 15 minutes of the game.

The Norse shot 58% overall in the half, adding 20 points from the field and 12 from beyond the arc. The Lakers were limited to just one three-ball in the frame, a score from freshman Abby Allen that brought the team within eight at 16-8 nearing the midway point.

Northern Kentucky continued its offensive output in the second half, opening on a 5-0 run before Artise hit a three to slow the attack down and make the score 43-21. However, NKU picked up right where they left off with 12 unanswered points to increase the advantage and eventually seal the game.

The Norse outscored the Lakers, 40-20, in the final frame, with 17 of their scores coming off turnovers.  Mercyhurst converted eight of its total points off of NKU mistakes.

Mercyhurst will have the following week off before returning to action on Wednesday, Dec. 3 when the Lakers take on Big East opponent West Virginia at 7 p.m. in Morgantown, W.Va.