Feb. 14, 2008

Box Score

Findlay, Ohio - Mercyhurst College freshmen Amy Achesinski and Samantha Loadman combined for 48 points and 21 rebounds as the Lakers completed a season sweep of Findlay with a 79-69 victory Thursday. With the win, Mercyhurst won its seventh game of the season, surpassing its total from a year ago.

Mercyhurst shot 68 percent in the first 20 minutes to build a 40-30 halftime lead. The Lakers also made 5-of-9 three-pointers in the first half but Findlay quickly fought back into the game with six straight points to start the second half.

The Oilers got within three on an Audra Mihalic three-pointer with 15:00 to play but Achesinski scored a lay-up and another freshman, Janeale Ronai, added two free-throws to extend the lead back to seven. Loadman then connected on one of her five three-pointers on the evening for a 52-42 Mercyhurst lead.

Findlay was unable to close the gap until Ashley Westenbarger hit a lay-up with 5:26 to go to make the score 66-61. But Achesinski knocked down a jumper and Loadman followed with another three-pointer. Findlay never got closer than seven the rest of the way.

Achesinski posted her seventh double-double of the season with 26 points and 13 rebounds. Ranked tenth in the country in field goal percentage, she was 12-of-17 shooting. Loadman was 7-of-8 shooting for a career-best 22 points, making five three-pointers for the first time in her career.

Mercyhurst shot 57 percent as a team and made 8-of-18 three-pointers. The Lakers also held a 34-25 rebounding advantage.

Findlay falls to 9-14 on the year and 3-11 in the GLIAC as Mercyhurst improves to 7-18 and 2-13 in conference. The Lakers will play at Ashland Saturday at 1 p.m.