ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst University women's basketball team held a four point lead heading into the fourth quarter but were held to just five points in the final frame, leading them to a 65-51 loss at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. With the loss, the Lakers fall to 13-14 overall and 11-10 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) play, while California (Pa.) improves to 20-5, 17-4 PSAC.

Natalie Piaggesi led the Lakers with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Angela Heintz also contributed double digits, scoring 12. Mercyhurst held the slight rebounding advantage, 30-29.

After trailing all of the first period, the Lakers went on a 15-2 run to take a four point lead into the break. The Lakers were able to generate some offense by forcing the Vulcans into seven turnovers in the second period, leading to nine points on the other end.

The Lakers would build a lead in the third, leading by as many as eight, 30-22, before Cal cut the deficit back to four heading into the final period.

The Vulcans would step up their pressure defense in the last 10 minutes, forcing Mercyhurst into nine turnovers. Cal was able to benefit of the Laker miscues, scoring 10 points off the turnovers. Cal also went on to outscore Mercyhurst 14-0 in the paint.

Mercyhurst finished the game shooting 44.4 percent (20-of-45) from the field and 30.0 percent (3-of-10) from three.

Despite the loss, the Lakers will remain the fifth seed heading into the PSAC Tournament. With one game left on their regular season schedule -- at Gannon Wednesday, February 24 – Mercyhurst looks to even their record at 14-14 and even the series against their crosstown rival.

Tip-off from the Hammermill Center is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.