ERIE, Pa. – Behind a triple-double performance from sophomore forward
Natalie Piaggesi, the Mercyhurst women's basketball team defeated Mansfield, 74-36, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.
The Lakers put together almost a perfect first half, taking a 50-22 halftime advantage. They shot a stellar 20-25 (80%) field goals and held the Mountaineers to 10-33 shooting in the first twenty minutes.
A fast start helped propel an early lead, as the Lakers scored the first 14 points.
Adrienne Kloecker and Piaggesi scored 12 of the first 14. Kloecker drained two threes, and Piaggesi finished off three layups in the paint.
Jessica Bell also hit a jumper during the stretch. The Laker defense held the Mountaineers to single digits midway through the period.
Mercyhurst would cool down in the second, shooting 8-19 (42%) from the field. They went on to outscore the Mountaineers 24-14 in the final twenty minutes. The defense held Mansfield to a single point, leading to an 8-1 run over the last 8:02 of the game.
Piaggesi's triple-double led the Lakers. She went on to record 19 points, 17 rebounds and 10 blocks. Her 17 rebounds and 10 blocks were career-highs. She was also perfect from the field, shooting 7-7 from the field and 5-5 from the free-throw line. Kloecker also posted 19 points, recorded five assists and three steals. Of the 12 Lakers to play, 11 scored in the 38-point victory. Katie Fitzpatrick scored 12 points to lead the Mountaineers.
Kiley Cleveland and
Katie Heckman also recorded career-high in points, scoring three a piece, both on 1-4 shooting.
The Lakers shot 63.6 percent (28-44) from the floor and held Mansfield to 22.7 percent (15-66) shooting. Mercyhurst set a season-high in field goal percentage (63.6%), rebounds (44), and blocked shots (10).
With the win, the Lakers improve their record to 4-11 overall and 2-8 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) play. The Mountaineers fall to 1-13, 0-10 PSAC.
Mercyhurst will be back in action Saturday, January 10, against conference west foe Slippery Rock. Tipoff is set for 1:00 p.m. at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.
