Erie, Pa – Mercyhurst Women's Basketball had to wait a little longer than anticipated for their home opener, but it was well worth the wait. The Lakers dominated Roberts Wesleyan, and after a great team effort won the game by a score of 96-61.
How It Happened
The Lakers started the game well in front of their home crowd as they got the offense going early on. The three-point shot was falling in the early going with five triples made in the opening frame. Julia Buchman broke the seal from deep with Grace Centrulla to follow while Wagner hit back-to-back threes and Grace Clary rounded out the effort. The second of Wagner's allowed Mercyhurst to double up their opponent 18-9 while Clary's gave the Lakers a 21-12 lead at the end of the first.
They didn't slow down in the second quarter as the Hawks couldn't stop the Lakers. Lexi Wagner drained three more threes as she was on a torrid pace in the opening half, scoring 17 points. Other players followed in her steps, as Grace Clary and Paige Woodford also scored from the long distance as Mercyhurst went into the break with a substantial lead, 47-23.
The second half also started well for the Lakers as Woodford scored another three-pointer and Grace Centrulla made a nice hook shot. With six minutes on the clock the freshman Jenna Van Schaik drove to the basket and made an acrobatic layup to make it a 63-27 game as this one was well out of reach. The fourth quarter was also dominated by the Lakers as multiple players got a chance to get on the court and put in the work. Mercyhurst held on to their lead and eventually won the game by a score of 96-61.
By The Numbers
The Lakers dominated their opponents on both sides of the court. They did a spectacular job knocking down their shots, as they made 19 three-pointers. Lexi Wagner drained seven of them on the way to 23 points in the game, going 7-9 from deep and 8-13 from the floor overall with seven rebounds as well. She was helped by Grace Clary with 14 points and four three-pointers. Paige Woodford had 12 points and six assists and also knocked down four threes. The Lakers showcased amazing team-oriented basketball as all 11 players that stepped on the court scored at least three points. Mercyhurst's defense held their opponents to 61 points and forced 22 turnovers while allowing a 37.0% shooting clip by Roberts Wesleyan.
What's Next
The Lakers are scheduled to get on the road as they are set to play West Chester on Friday, December 2nd at 5:30 p.m. with a quick turnaround as they play Millersville on the 3rd at 1:00 p.m.
