JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – The Mercyhurst University women's basketball team defeated Pitt-Johnstown, 60-47, Saturday afternoon at the Sports Center in Johnstown, Pa. The win is the Lakers' third straight in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) play since beginning the 2016 portion of their schedule and improves their record to 8-9 overall, 6-5 PSAC. The Lady Cats fall to 6-10, 3-7 PSAC.

A solid first quarter performance helped Mercyhurst jump out to a 10 point lead, 15-5. The Lakers finished the opening period on a 13-0 run and held the Lady Cats scoreless the remaining 8:32.

Mercyhurst increased their lead to as many as 12 in the second, before Pitt-Johnstown went on an 8-2 spurt to close out the half. The Lakers led by six, 28-22, heading into the break and are now 6-4 when holding the lead at halftime.

Jessica Bell got the Lakers started in the second half when she converted a three-point play after finishing a layup in the paint on an assist from Angela Heintz. The old-fashioned three-point play gave Mercyhurst its largest lead of the period, 31-22.

Pitt-Johnstown would pull within six in the final frame, 43-37, with 7:16 to play, but the Lakers would answer, scoring the next four points, to regain a double-digit lead, 47-37. The Lakers would cruise from there, leading by as many 15 with 16 seconds remaining.

The Lakers finished 22 of 56 (39.3%) from the floor and out rebounded the Lady Cats by eight, 36-28.

Natalie Piaggesi was a rebound shy of a double-double performance, posting 16 points and nine rebounds while Jessica Bell also scored in double figures, recording 14 points on 6 of 9 shooting from the field.

Mercyhurst will travel to Seton Hill Wednesday, January 13, for another PSAC West matchup. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.