SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Mercyhurst women's basketball team defeated Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) foe Slippery Rock on the road, 80-65, Wednesday evening. The win improves the Lakers record to 5-8 overall and 3-4 in conference play. Slippery falls to 7-4, 4-2 PSAC.

Angela Heintz and Natalie Piaggesi led the way to Mercyhurst's second consecutive victory. Heintz posted a triple-double performance, scoring 24 points, grabbing 12 rebounds and dishing out 11 assists while Piaggesi recorded a double-double (22 pts. – 11 rbs.). The two combined went 16 for 29 (55.2%) from the floor.

Mercyhurst started off hot, scoring the first eight points before The Rock got on the board. The first period concluded with the Lakers holding Slippery Rock to only five points, opening a 20-5 lead entering the second. Piaggesi gave Mercyhurst their largest lead of the game, 24-7, with 8:53 to play before The Rock closed within 11, 40-29, heading into the locker room.

Slippery Rock would inch closer in the third, pulling within six, 50-44. Alex Artise and Maria Lapertosa would answer The Rock run with back-to-back threes, helping the Lakers extend their lead back to double-digits, 56-46. Erica Aiello ended the period with a three of her own, to cut back within seven.

An 11-2 run in the fourth propelled the Lakers back to a 16 point lead, 73-57, leaving only 1:41 to play. Heintz and Piaggesi combined to score 10 of the 11 points over the 5:47 stretch run to close out the game.

Heintz's triple-double was the first recorded since Piagessi's performance at home against Mansfield last season.

The Lakers will return home to host Clarion in another PSAC West contest Saturday, December 19. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center (MAC).