MILLERSVILLE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst women's basketball team dropped a tough road battle at Millersville Saturday afternoon, 61-59. Mariah Penascino led the charge for the Lakers, as she was two assists shy of a triple-double.
Mercyhurst led for most of the contest, but could not put the Marauders away late. Natalie Piaggesi's jumper at the 1:47 mark in the second half made the game a two possession contest with Mercyhurst leading by four, 56-52. The jumper was countered by two Alex Stam three-pointers that would give Millersville the lead, 58-56, with 40 seconds to play. The Marauders would take a five point advantage after the Lakers sent them to the line to extend the game. Katie Fischer would convert a three-pointer to put Mercyhurst within two, but it was too late since time expired.
The Lakers would lead by as many as 12 late in the first half by igniting a 9-0 run sparked by Fischer. Fischer drained one of her four three-point baskets to give the Lakers their largest lead of the afternoon at six. It would continue to grow with a jumper from Penascino and two lay-ups by Piaggesi. However, the story of the afternoon started in the final minutes of the first half. With Mercyhurst in control with an 11 point victory, Millersville finished the final minute and a half on a 6-0 run. The Lakers went into the half still in control, leading 36-31.
The game was kept within a four point margin both ways throughout the second half. Millersville regained the lead early, but Mercyhurst battled back to regain the control at the 13:41 mark. Fischer put Mercyhurst back in control with another three ball, leading the Marauders, 41-39. The Lakers would lead the rest of the way until the final two minutes.
Fisher led the Lakers in scoring, coming off the bench to score 16 points. Her four three-pointers were a game-high. Penascino also had a great performance, filling up the stat sheet, as she was two assists shy of a triple-double. She went on to score 11 points, grab 10 rebounds, dish out eight assists, and come away with two steals. Piaggesi scored in double figures for the eighth consecutive game, finishing with 15 points and seven rebounds.
With the loss, the Lakers fall to 3-9 overall and 1-6 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) play. The Marauders improve to 7-4, 5-2 PSAC.
Mercyhurst will be off until after the New Year and resume play January 3 on the road at Shippensburg. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
