ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst University women's basketball team held off Pitt-Johnstown, 65-60, Saturday afternoon at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. The win improves the Lakers' record to 12-13 overall and 10-9 in league play, while the Lady Cats fall to 7-18, 4-15 PSAC.

A strong first half gave the Lakers a comfortable lead heading into the second. Mercyhurst opened with a six point lead, 20-14, after one period of play and held UPJ to only five points in the second period. The Lakers shot 46.2 percent (12-of-26) in the first half and forced 12 Lady Cat turnovers, resulting in 12 points. Mercyhurst would enter the break with a 14 point advantage, 33-19.

Mercyhurst would pick up right where they left off in the third, opening a 21 point lead with 3:11 to play in the period. UPJ would end the third on a 10-4 spurt, closing the Lakers' lead to 15 heading into the fourth.

Pitt-Johnstown would, then, make the game interesting as they pulled within five, 57-52, with 3:46 to play. Hayley Andres would answer UPJ's run on the next offensive possession with a three, putting the Lakers back ahead by eight.

However, the Lady Cats wouldn't go away, as they pulled back within four with only 23 seconds to play.  Mercyhurst would finish off the win making their free throws down the stretch, to hold on to their sixth home win of the season.

Four Lakers finished in double digits scoring. Jalin Steel led the way with 14 points, while Piaggesi and Kloecker each had 12 and Jessica Bell finished with 10.

Mercyhurst finished the game shooting 38.2 percent (21-of-55) from the field and made seven 3-pointers. The Lakers forced 22 Lady Cat turnovers, while UPJ held a slight rebounding adavantage, 39-38.

The Lakers will be back in action Wednesday, February 17, when they host Seton Hill. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the MAC.