The Lakers dropped the PSAC vs. MEC Challenge finale, 84-75, to West Liberty Sunday evening.

Mercyhurst played the Hilltoppers close in the first quarter, exchanging leads as the game got underway. After the first frame, the Hilltoppers held a 20-14 lead.

The Lakers had a strong second quarter to finish the half, going blow-for-blow with West Liberty. The Hilltoppers narrowly outscored the Lakers 20-18, taking a 40-32 lead to the locker room.

The Lakers again showed poise in the third quarter, outscoring the Hilltoppers 21-15 to cut the Hilltoppers lead to just two points. The Lakers scored the final six points of the quarter thanks to a layup and free throw from Jayde Boyd and a 3-pointer from Paige Woodford in the final minutes.

After the Hilltoppers got out to a 62-55 lead early in the final quarter, the Lakers went on a seven-point run to tie things up. From there, the Hilltoppers bounced back to regain the lead and hold off the Lakers.

Grace Centrulla led the Mercyhurst offense with 25 points and 12 rebounds, while Emily Shopene, Woodford and Julia Buchman contributed 13, 11 and 10 points, respectively. Boyd finished the game with seven points and seven rebounds.

Up Next

The Lakers won't play another home game for a month, so they'll head on the road for a pair of non-conference games this week. Mercyhurst will visit Notre Dame (Ohio) Wednesday at 6 p.m. before heading to Athens, Ohio, to take on Ohio University Saturday at 1 p.m.