Erie, Pa.—The Mercyhurst Women's Basketball team couldn't hold onto a first-half lead as California (Pa.) stormed back to win 68-60 Saturday afternoon on Owen McCormick Court.
How it Happened
The two teams traded blows in the first quarter, exchanging leads until a three-pointer from Jayde Boyd at 4:07 put Mercyhurst on top 11-9, followed by a pair of layups by Grace Centrulla and a three from Julia Buchman.
The Lakers held a seven-point lead before Cal made the deficit five points to end the first quarter. In the second, the Lakers made just two shots from the floor but went 8-10 from the free-throw line to stay out in front by four heading to halftime.
The Vulcans stormed out of the gate in the second half, gaining the lead on a Dejah Terrell layup at 7:22 in the third quarter and trading leads once again with the Lakers.
Terrell would score 12 points in the third quarter alone as she helped the Vulcans to a six-point lead heading into the final frame.
Mercyhurst struggled to make baskets in the fourth, shooting a game-low 19 percent from the floor. That allowed Cal to keep their distance as they made five of six from the free-throw line in the final minute.
Two With 22
Both teams boasted high-powered scorers, and neither player disappointed as Cal's leading scorer Terrell finished with 22 points to finish tied with Mercyhurst's leading scorer, Centrulla.
Centrulla made it a double-double with 10 rebounds, and Emily Shopene led all rebounders with 11 boards. Boyd finished with 12 points for the Lakers as well.
Coach's Corner
Up Next
The Lakers' homestand continues with two nationally-ranked opponents next week in No. 21 Indiana (Pa.) Monday and No. 25 Gannon Wednesday. Both games are slated to tip-off on Owen McCormick Court at 5:30 p.m., and Wednesday's game will be part of a double-feature locally on the CW Network.
