ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst University women's basketball team was able to hold off Slippery Rock Wednesday night at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center, 83-78. With the win, the Lakers improve their record to 10-11 overall and 8-7 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) play. The Rock falls to an even 10-10, 7-8 PSAC.

Mercyhurst jumped out to an early 18-5 lead late in the first period. However, the Lakers' 13 point lead would slowly dwindle, as Slippery Rock would regain control of the game midway through the second, taking a one point lead, 24-23, off a Mallory Heinle 3-pointer.

The Lakers held their composure the rest of the half, repossessing a seven point advantage with a minute to play in the half, before taking a four point lead into the break.

Angela Heintz had 18 of the Lakers' 39 points in the first half on 6-of-9 shooting from the field and went a perfect 4-for-4 from 3-point range. Mercyhurst finished the half shooting 15-of-28 (53.8%) from the field.

Slippery Rock would make it a game again late in the third, taking a three point lead with 1:26 to play, before Mercyhurst tied the game at 58 heading into the fourth.

The Rock would keep it close in the final frame, but the Lakers eventually pulled away. Mercyhurst would lead by as many as nine in the fourth period, in large part to five second chance points and five points off Slippery Rock turnovers.

Natalie Piaggesi finished the game as the Lakers' leading scorer with 26 points. She finished 8-of-16 from the field and 10-for-10 from the free-throw line. Heintz ended with 25 points and five 3-pointers.

The Lakers will travel to Edinboro for another PSAC Western Division matchup Saturday. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.