Erie, Pa.—The Mercyhurst Women's Basketball team is poised to continue their five-game homestand as they host nationally-recognized Seton Hill Wednesday and California (Pa.) Saturday afternoon.
The Matchups
Seton Hill is 10-7 all-time against Mercyhurst after meeting for the first time in 1986. The two teams played in Greensburg on Jan. 17, when the Griffins utilized a second-half surge to win 73-62.
Mercyhurst and Cal have met 40 times dating back to 1985, with the Vulcans earning wins in 29 of those contests. With their original meeting last week postponed, the last time the two teams met was Feb. 26, 2020, when Cal won 63-47.
Career Day
Redshirt freshman Grace Clary made waves in Monday's loss to Pitt-Johnstown as she put 20 points on the scoreboard, doubling her previous career best. Clary, a transfer from Merrimack College, averaged 7.6 points and 19.3 minutes per game in the month of January.
Team Player
Redshirt senior Emily Shopene added six points, four rebounds and three assists in Monday's game. Shopene has been one of the better ball-handlers in the conference this season as she boasts a league-best 2.13 assist/turnover ratio. That mark is also 26th in Division II overall. Her 3.7 assists per game leads the Lakers and is seventh in the PSAC.
Scouting the Griffins
Seton Hill remains atop the PSAC West at 11-3 in the conference and 17-6 overall. The Griffins are receiving votes in both national polls, and are ranked No. 4 in the Atlantic Region. After winning 10 straight between Dec. 14-Jan. 24, Seton Hill has lost two of their last three to Cal and Shippensburg. Katie Nolan is up to 15 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, while Christiane Frye is averaging 10.2 points and 2.1 steals per game.
Scouting the Vulcans
Cal has a strong 7-3 record in PSAC play, but postponements have left them a few games short of Seton Hill and Gannon. That leaves the Vulcans in third place in the West before they host Pitt-Johnstown Wednesday evening. The Vulcans are rolling after a win over No. 21 Indiana (Pa.) continued their win streak, now at three games. Dejah Terrell leads Cal with 18.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, while Ciaira Loyd (11.2) and Brionna Allen (10.8) are also averaging in the double-figures.
