Erie, Pa.—After seven games in hostile territory, the Mercyhurst Women's Basketball team finally returns to Owen McCormick Court Tuesday as they celebrate Senior Day with a tilt against Mansfield at 5:30 p.m.
The Matchup
The Lakers and Mounties met for the first time in 1990, and the Lakers hold an 18-2 all-time advantage against Mansfield. The two have not played each other since 2018, when the Lakers dealt Mansfield a 66-50 loss on Dec. 19.
(Defensive) Athlete of the Week
Redshirt freshman Grace Centrulla was named the PSAC West Defensive Athlete of the Week after blocking two shots, recording a steal and grabbing nine rebounds in Wednesday's win at Salem. She was also the top offensive performer in that game, posting 16 points – all from the floor.
Among all players in the PSAC, she now ranks sixth in points (18.6) and rebounds (8.6) per game and fourth in field-goal percentage (58.7 percent). She is also averaging 1.4 blocks per game, which is good for eighth in the conference.
On the Rebound
Centrulla, Jayde Boyd (8.3 rebounds per game) and Emily Shopene (6.0) have led the rebounding for the Lakers, but Mercyhurst has made grabbing boards a full team effort, with every player accounting for at least one rebound this season. That has led to the Lakers being fifth in the conference with an overall average of 40.6 rebounds per game. They also lead the PSAC in defensive rebounds with an average of 32.1 per game.
Scouting the Mounties
Mansfield comes into Tuesday 2-4 overall and 1-1 in PSAC play. The Mounties are led by offensive threats Paige Whitfield (11.7 points per game) and Sydney Reed (11.2). Reed's perimeter offense is formidable, as she leads the team with a 41.9 percent average from beyond the arc.
