The Mercyhurst Women's Basketball team opened their season on the newly-renovated Owen McCormick Court at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center with a non-conference loss to the University of Charleston, 49-41.

Led by Julia Buchman's 14 points and Grace Centrulla's near-double-double (10 points, 9 rebounds), the Lakers outscored the Golden Eagles in the second half, 24-15, but could not overcome the first-half deficit.

Centrulla gave the Lakers the first two points of the game, but the Golden Eagles went on a 12-point run before Mercyhurst scored again with just under 4 minutes remaining in the first quarter. Mercyhurst would cut the deficit to five points, but Charleston would stretch the lead back to 12 points to finish the first frame.

The two teams went back and forth in the second quarter, but the Golden Eagles were able to outscore the Lakers again and head to the locker room with a 34-17 lead.

As the Lakers came out for the second half with a renewed sense of energy, they held the third quarter scoreless until Buchman sank a 3-pointer almost 2 minutes into the period. Mercyhurst wound up outscoring Charleston 10-8 in the third quarter, taking their momentum into the final stanza.

After Charleston boosted their lead to 18 points, the Lakers mounted a comeback in the final 5 minutes. After an 11-point scoring run to cut the Charleston lead to seven, the Golden Eagles began to eat up the clock, leaving the Lakers without enough time to finish the rally.

Jayde Boyd provided support under the net, bringing down 12 boards (nine of them defensive). She added six points as well.

With their season-opening loss, the Lakers will look to rebound with a game Sunday at 5 p.m. against West Liberty to round out the PSAC vs. MEC Challenge being hosted by Mercyhurst. The Hilltoppers fell to California (Pa.) in Saturday's nightcap, 76-60.

The Vulcans will take on the University of Charleston before the Lakers play Sunday.