CALIFORNIA, Pa. — The Mercyhurst women's basketball team opened its season with a with an 89-58 loss Charleston (W. Va.) on Saturday in the PSAC/MEC Challenge.
 
Maria Lapertosa was the leading scorer for the Lakers with 19 points -- 13 came from free throws with her going 13 of 18 from the stripe. Nicolete Newman followed  with 14 points. Amber Renz added eight.
 
Eliza Oswalt had team high-four rebounds for Mercyhurst. The Lakers total field goal percentage was 35.
 
Brooklyn Pannell led Charleston (W. Va.) with 17 points with Anna Hayton having game recording the most rebounds in the game with seven. Charleston's field goal percentage was 51.
 
The Lakers (0-1) will return to action tomorrow at 5:00 PM as they take on West Liberty.