Erie, Pa.—After an 0-2 start in PSAC play, the Mercyhurst Women's Basketball team won their third-straight conference game and fourth overall with a 56-46 win against East Stroudsburg on Owen McCormick Court Sunday afternoon.

The Lakers got themselves over .500 as they now hold a 3-2 record in conference play, putting them into a three-way tie in the middle of the PSAC West standings. Meanwhile, the Warriors continue to slide as they fell to 0-7 and 0-5 in PSAC play.

Looking to capitalize on their overtime win Saturday, the Lakers got off to a quick start, with Emily Shopene receiving the opening tip-off and driving in for a layup in the first seconds. They built from there, outscoring the Warriors in both quarters to end the first half up 37-26.

Jayde Boyd had a pair of deep three-pointers in the first half, helping her to a team-high nine points in the first 20 minutes.

Mercyhurst needed only to keep East Stroudsburg at bay in the second half, playing a relatively even third quarter that saw the Warriors narrow the deficit slightly to nine heading into the final frame.

Baskets came at a premium in the final 10 minutes, as the teams combined for just 13 points in the fourth quarter, and the Mercyhurst defense prevailed to hold onto the win.

By the Numbers

Grace Centrulla led the Lakers with 17 points, 13 of them coming in the second half, and eight rebounds. Boyd followed her in points, finishing with 13, and Shopene wound up with nine points and six rebounds.

For the first time since their Nov. 26 overtime win against Embry-Riddle, the Lakers had less turnovers (14) than their opponent (16). Mercyhurst was more productive with their takeaways as well, scoring 16 points off turnovers while the Warriors converted theirs into just three.

Up Next

The Lakers will take the next two weeks off for the winter break, but will dive right back in as they head across town to take on No. 16/RV Gannon on Jan. 5.