Erie, PA-The Mercyhurst Women's Basketball team returned home this afternoon for a PSAC matchup with West Chester University. With both teams having early success so far this season, Mercyhurst proved to be the more complete team today, as well as one of the top dogs in the PSAC. With the win, not only do the Lakers improve to 7-2 on the year and 3-0 in conference, but they've now strung together consecutive wins.

How it Happened: 

West Chester got out to an early lead to start the game, going on a 9-0 run in the first three minutes. Danielle Grim broke the ice with a shot from beyond the arc to get the lakers on the board. Paige Woodford and Bailey Kuhns then converted 3-point plays in back-to-back possessions to bring the game within one. The defensive unit for the Lakers settled in towards the end of the 1st quarter, as the frame ended with the Lakers trailing 26-20. 

Midway through the second quarter the lead remained at 6 for the Golden Rams, before Bailey Kuhns and Ava Waid converted back-to-back lay ins to bring Mercyhurst within one possession. As West Chester began building their lead once again, Grace Clary hit a corner three off a beautiful touch pass from Lauren Klare to keep Mercyhurst within striking distance. As time expired Danielle Grim hit a jumper as an off-ball foul was called. Maria McConnell then converted a foul shot to give the Lakers a one-point lead heading into the half, 42-41. 

Both teams were effective in the first half, shooting over 45% from the field. Bailey Kuhns and Lauren Klare led the Lakers offensively, scoring 10 and 9 points respectively. Lauren Klare and Danielle Grim were also impactful elsewhere. Grim finished the half with 6 rebounds while Klare tallied 4 assists.  

As the second half began, it was all Lakers. Going on a 12-4 run to start the third, Mercyhurst benefited from hot shooting from Danielle Grim, Julia Buchman, and Lauren Klare. Bailey Kuhns also asserted her dominance underneath with a pair of buckets. Just as West Chester showed signs of life, the Lakers were there to put a lid on the rim. Mercyhurst enjoyed a 20-7 third quarter to gain a 14-point lead heading into the final quarter.  

As the fourth quarter began, the Golden Rams didn't quit, as they scored 10 straight points to bring the game back from double digits. The Golden Rams cut it to four before Julia Buchman converted two free throws to extend the lead back to 6. Absorbing some punches down the stretch, Mercyhurst was able to do enough at the free throw line to earn the victory, 75-71. 

Highlights: 

Lauren Klare led all Laker scorers with 19 points. Klare shot 53% from the field and went 5-10 from long range. Klare also tallied 7 rebounds and 4 assists in the win. Bailey Kuhns and Julia Buchman also scored double digits for the victors, recording 17 and 11. 

Danielle Grim tallied double digit rebounds once again for the Lakers, with 10. 

Next Up: 

Mercyhurst now has a quick turnaround, as they finish off the ladder half of the back-to-back tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 PM. The Lakers will welcome Millersville University to Owen McCormick Court before enjoying the holiday break. Mercyhurst will then close out December on the road at Shepherd University on the 30th.