MANSFIELD, Pa. – The Mercyhurst women's basketball team defeated Mansfield, 65-51, in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference action on Sunday.
 
Amber Renz led Mercyhurst (4-5, 3-1) with 19 points and six rebounds. Rachel Chessar recorded 12 points and Emily Shopene contributed seven assists. Emilee Norris was the top rebounder, grabbing 12.

Mansfield was led by Brielle Kelly, who contributed 17 points. Melanie Taylor added 13.

The Lakers broke a 9-all tie in the first quarter with an eight-point run. Vivian Allison hit a three-pointer, Rachel Chessar made a jumper and Emily Shopene drained a three of her own. From that moment, Mercyhurst held the lead for good.

The Lakers took a 33-27 lead into halftime before host Mansfield (3-5, 1-3) pulled within 40-39. Then, Maria Lapertosa hit a momentum-shifting trey to begin a 15-2 stretch for the Lakers. Renz had six points during the run that left Mercyhurst with a 55-41 lead.

Visiting Mercyhurst held its lead in double-figures the rest of the way, widening the gap as lar as 17 points.
 
Mercyhurst held an edge at the glass, outrebounding Mansfield, 40-32. The Lakers made 24 of 52 field goals (46.2 percent), including 10 of 27 from three-point territory (47.6). Mansfield was 19 of 60 (31.7) and 3 of 25 (12.0), respectively.
 
The Lakers will play next on Saturday when they travel to West Chester to compete in PSAC play at 1 p.m.