CALIFORNIA, Pa. – Junior guard Adrienne Kloecker scored a team-high 16 points to open Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) play, but the Lakers dropped a 69-57 decision at California (Pa.).

With 5:15 remaining in the first, Mercyhurst controlled a four point lead, 24-20. The Lakers would extend their lead to as high as nine, as they rattled off five straight points in a minute span. Katie Fischer started the spurt with back-to-back jumpers to push the lead to eight. Hayley Andres would see that the lead got to nine when she converted one of two free-throws.

The Lakers controlled most of the first half of play, as Mercyhurst shot 12-25 (48%) from the field and held the Vulcans to just 10-30 (33.3%). Kloecker was 4-5 from the floor and 1-1 behind the arc. Her nine points sparked the Lakers on the defensive end, forcing eight Vulcan turnovers and outrebounding California, 19-15. Natalie Piaggesi would pull down two offensive and defensive rebounds to lead the Lakers in the first half. Mercyhurst would take a six point lead into the locker room, 31-25.

The Vulcans would start the second half on a 7-0 run to regain the lead at the 17:52 mark 32-31. Mercyhurst battled to keep the game close, as Piaggesi converted a layup with ten minutes to play off an assist from teammate Angela Heintz. California would again go on a 7-0 spurt to pull ahead but Heintz would drain a three to pull back within four. However, Mercyhurst wasn't able to pull any closer. The Vulcans would extend their lead to 13 with 3:38 left to take control and receive the victory.

Mercyhurst held the edge on the boards, 34-33, and converted six of eight free-throw attempts.

With the loss, Mercyhurst falls to 0-3 overall (0-1 PSAC), as California improves to 3-0 (1-0 PSAC).

The Lakers will host crosstown rival Gannon on Saturday for their first home game of the year at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m.