Erie, Pa.—The Mercyhurst Women's Basketball team will head up State Street to visit local rival No. 15/17 Gannon Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. for their first game in the new year.

The Matchup

Mercyhurst played Gannon in the Lakers' first season of play, and Gannon holds a 65-31 all-time record in the series. Mercyhurst wrapped up their unconventional 2020-21 season with a pair of Pride of Erie games against Gannon, which the Golden Knights swept.

Closing Out Strong

As PSAC play heated up toward the end of the year, so did the Lakers. Mercyhurst has now won four straight games, including an overtime win over Bloomsburg and a victory over East Stroudsburg before departing for winter break. The streak has boosted their conference record to 3-2, with a 5-6 overall record.

Where they Stand

Mercyhurst finds themselves in a three-way tie for fifth place in the PSAC West, while Gannon is tied for first with a 4-1 PSAC record and 9-1 overall record. The Golden Knights remained at No. 15 in the latest Women's Basketball Coaches Association National poll and climbed three spots into a tie for No. 17 in the national media poll conducted by the Division II Sports Information Directors.

Scouting the Golden Knights

The lone blemish on Gannon's record came on Dec. 3 in a road crossover matchup at Shepherd to open their conference schedule. Gannon is coming off a New Year's Eve 66-53 win at Wheeling University, and is led by Samantha Pirosko's 15.3 points per game.