Erie, Pa – Mercyhurst Women's Basketball returns home on Saturday, January 21st, to take on their arch-rival, Gannon, in the evening game at 5:30 p.m.
1. A Great Win
The Lakers recorded an important win this past Wednesday, as they defeated Cal (Pa.) and moved up to 6-4 conference record. They sit behind Gannon, IUP, and Pitt-Johnstown, as the Lady Knights are currently in the first spot in the PSAC West Standings with an 8-2 conference record and 16-2 overall. Mercyhurst proved that they can beat tough opponents, as they have defeated Buffalo, IUP, and Cal (Pa.) this season, and the matchup on Saturday is set to be another challenge for the Lakers.
2. Individual Leaders
Jayde Boyd leads the team with 12.1 points per game on 41% shooting and an impressive 40% from three. She recorded her season-high 26 points against Shepherd last week and 21 points against Cal (Pa.), often scoring in clutch moments and not letting the opponents catch up. Boyd is followed by Grace Centrulla as she averages 11.1 points, and 5.9 rebounds per contest. She also leads the Lakers in efficiency as she boasts an impressive 50.3% field goal percentage and 46.2% for three. Danielle Grim recorded team-high four steals and two blocks in their last contest, as she leads the team in those statistical categories, with two steals and one block per game.
3. History Lesson
Mercyhurst hasn't beaten the Lady Knights since January 2019 when they defeated their rivals by a score of 72-66. Current volunteer assistant coach Meghan Komendarek remembers that game well, as she scored four points and recorded two assists in that historic game. In last year's matchup at home, the Lakers fell by just four points as Jayde Boyd scored a team-high 15 points and seven rebounds. The Lakers are looking to cut their losing streak against Gannon short and climb up in the PSAC West Standings.
4. Scouting Gannon
The Lady Knights are a very experienced team with four graduate students in the starting five. Samantha Pirosko leads her team with 19.3 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. She is helped by Emma Wright with 13.1 and 5.6 boards per contest. Point guard, Boston McKinney, runs the offense for the Lady Knights, as she averages 5 assists per game. Gannon players will be determined to win the game on Saturday and strengthen their position at the top of the PSAC Standings.
5. What's Next
After the matchup with Gannon, the Lakers get back on the road to take on Pitt-Johnstown on Monday, January 23rd, with a tip-off at 5:30 p.m. They are scheduled to follow that with another road game against Clarion on Wednesday, January 25th, set to start at 5:30 p.m.
