ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst women's basketball team defeated No. 14 California (Pa.), 61-53, in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference action on Saturday in the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.
 
Emilee Norris earned a double-double, posting 10 points and 15 rebounds. Freshman Emily Shopene was the Lakers' leading scorer with 18 points while finishing with at team-leading three steals. Jamaya Shabazz added 10 points.
 
Shatara Parsons led California (16-3, 12-2) with a game-high 19 points. Mia Cushon earned a double-double, having 13 points and 12 rebounds. D.J. Hahn contributed ten points.
 
A large third-quarter push from Mercyhurst spelled success, transitioning from a 23-22 halftime deficit to a 42-32 lead after three quarters. Trailing 31-30, the Lakers went on a 12-0 run, getting points from four different players, to take an 11-point lead.
 
The Lakers held their largest lead of the game during the fourth quarter, going up 12 with seven minutes left in play. The Vulcans closed their deficit to four points on three different occasions, but MU held them off down the stretch. During the last five minutes, the Lakers were 4 of 4 from the field and 7 of 10 from three free-throw line.
 
Mercyhurst held a solid advantage in rebounds, 48-34, and finished 24 of 59 from the field (40.7 percent) and 3 of 13 from three-point territory (23.1) while Cal was 18 of 62 (29.0) and 1 of 11 (9.1), respectively. The Lakers also outperformed Cal at the charity stripe, making 10 of 13 free throws (76.9) while the Vulcans went 16-for-23 (69.6).

The Lakers (7-11, 5-7) will return to play on Wednesday when they host Edinboro at 5:30 pm in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference action at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.