Erie, Pa. - Mercyhurst Women's Basketball grabs the win to round out the first full week of February as they take down the Vulcans. The Lakers used a strong fourth period to help them grab the 57-46 win as they improve to 12-11 on the season overall and 9-9 in the PSAC.

How it Happened

First Quarter

The Laker's defense proved to be strong in the early going, helping them take a 5-2 lead to open the game. Cal was only 1-6 through the first four minutes with Grace Centrulla's presence on the inside proving imperative.

Defense continued to be the name of the game in the opening frame as the two teams combined for 18 points on 6-29 shooting as Mercyhurst led 10-8 after 10 minutes had expired.

Second Period

Mercyhurst found a little bit of a rhythm on offense thanks to Jayde Boyd who hit the two first buckets of the period. Both came inside the paint with the first coming with the right hand and the second the left to make it a 14-8 game with over eight minutes to go in the first half.

The offense began to heat up as the second quarter went on as the team grabbed their first double-digit lead of the game as the score held at 24-14 with just over two minutes to go thanks to a Danielle Grim three-pointer.

From there, the Lakers were able to take a 27-21 lead into the halftime break.

Third Quarter

The Vulcans came out of halftime as the aggressors as they went on a 12-4 run to help them grab the lead as the score stood at 33-31 with just under five minutes to go in the third period. Mercyhurst managed to keep up with their counterparts as Bailey Kuhns hit a layup at the end of the period to tie things up at 38-38 going into the final frame.

Fourth Quarter

The final period was one where defense was once again the name of the game as there were a total of six points total through the first five minutes of the frame. Grace Clary helped change that with a quick five points with a three-point make giving the Lakers a 47-42 lead with just under four minutes remaining.

She ended up making another with just over a minute to go to help seal the victory for the Lakers as they closed out the game in style in the 57-46 win.

Highlights

Danielle Grim led the way in points with 16 on 6-14 shooting while adding five rebounds, two blocks, and one steal to her line. She was followed by Jayde Boyd and Grace Centrulla who both had 11 while Grace Clary finished with an important eight points all coming in the final quarter.

Playoff Picture

Mercyhurst is now 9-9 in conference play and currently sit in seventh in the PSAC West. They'll look to climb the standings over the final few weeks of the season.

Next Game

The Lakers stay at home for their next game as they are set to host UPJ next. The Mountain Cats come to town next Wednesday, February 15th, for a 5:30 p.m. tip-off.