ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst women's basketball team opens Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) play tonight, as they travel back to California (Pa.) to face the Vulcans. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
The Lakers participated in the PSAC/MEC Conference Challenge hosted by California (Pa.) last weekend at the Convocation Center. Mercyhurst played the Mountain East Conference (MEC) favorite Friday night, #18 West Liberty. The Lakers fought back from a 22 point deficit in the second half but still fell to the Hilltoppers, 83-75, despite Natalie Piaggesi's career-high 26 points and Angela Heintz's double-double. Saturday, Mercyhurst saw Notre Dame (OH) in what was a close battle the entire 40 minutes. However, the Falcons were able to pull away at the end, 77-70.
California (Pa.) has started the season by facing the same two opponents. The Vulcans were able to escape past Notre Dame (OH), 81-66, in Friday, November 14. Cal would, then, take on #18 West Liberty where they won, 78-68, behind doubles-doubles from Emma Mahady and Miki Glenn.
The Lakers were swept by the Vulcans last season, as they also hold the all-time series 18-7. The last time Mercyhurst faced Cal was February 5 when the Vulcans pulled away to 14 point win, 79-65. Junior Adrienne Kloecker put up 22 points and made three three-pointers in the contest.
Mercyhurst was picked to finish sixth in the PSAC Western Division, as they look to start 1-0 in conference play for the third consecutive season.
