Erie, Pa.—The Mercyhurst Women's Basketball team looks to bounce back from a tough loss their last time out as they return to Owen McCormick Court to host Clarion Monday at 3 p.m.

The Matchup

The Lakers and Golden Eagles have historically been evenly matched, with the Lakers holding a 29-23 all-time record against Clarion since 1976. The two teams played a home-and-home series in February 2021, and Mercyhurst swept the series with a 68-63 win at Clarion and a 58-48 win at home.

Adapting on the Fly

Last week, it was announced that the Mercyhurst women's games against Seton Hill and Indiana (Pa.) scheduled for Jan. 8 and Jan. 12, respectively, had been postponed due to health and safety protocols. The women come into Monday's game with rested legs, and will next play on Saturday when they travel to Kutztown at 1 p.m.

On the Rebound

The Lakers are fifth in the PSAC in rebounds per game with 40.4, but have been especially potent underneath opponents' rims. With 32.8 defensive rebounds per game, Mercyhurst is leading all PSAC teams. Couple that with keeping opponents to a 33.7 percent average from the floor – good for third in the conference – and teams are feeling the pressure to score or lose possession.

Scouting the Golden Eagles

The Golden Eagles kept things close but ultimately lost to Slippery Rock on Saturday, 65-62, to fall to 2-9 overall and 1-5 in PSAC play. The loss was the latest in a five-game skid after opening conference play with a crossover win against Millersville on Dec. 3. Sierra Bermudez leads the team offensively with 16.4 points per game, while Cory Santoro is averaging 12.7 and Jada Smith is nearly averaging a double-double with 10.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. Smith is also averaging 2.5 steals per game.