Erie, Pa. - Mercyhurst Women's Basketball got the new week started the way they wanted as they were able to grab the win over the Mountain Cats Wednesday evening. The Lakers used a strong first quarter to jump out in front 17-9 and never looked back from there in the 63-58 win.
How it Happened
First Quarter
It was all Grace Centrulla in the early going as she scored 15 points in the opening frame for her career-high for a single quarter. Her biggest bucket came with just under two minutes to go in the frame as she nailed a three off the feed from Lexi Wagner, giving Mercyhurst a 13-6 lead.
Second Quarter
It was more of the same in the second quarter for the Lakers kept a solid lead through the half. While Centrulla was a major factor in the first, it was a much more team-oriented brand of offense in the second as multiple players found their rhythm. Danielle Grim played a major role, scoring six points off back-to-back threes with the second giving them a 23-14 lead.
She and Grace Clary both made a pair of triples in the second, helping Mercyhurst take a 33-19 lead into the halftime break.
Third Quarter
The Mountain Cats were able to cut the deficit coming out of the halftime break as they scored the first eight points of the frame. Centrulla helped the Lakers end their dry spell with a layup off the feed from Grim, making it 35-27 at the 5:43 mark of the quarter. Unfortunately, that did not spark a run for Mercyhurst as UPJ went on an 18-6 run in the third period to make it a 39-37 game with the Lakers in front going into the final frame.
Fourth Quarter
Paige Woodford helped the Lakers get back in a rhythm on offense in the fourth as she scored the first four points off of a pair of layups. The second came at the 7:29 mark of the quarter to move Mercyhurst in front by six.
Mercyhurst's offense continued to do well down the stretch as they scored 24 total in the period to help them retain the lead and come out on top in the end by a final of 63-58.
Highlights
Grace Centrulla led the way for the Lakers with 30 points on 10-20 shooting with nine rebounds and four blocks to her ledger as well. Centrulla's 30 is the most she has had since her 33 in the early portion of the 2021-22 season. She was followed by Danielle Grim with 13, going 3-3 from three.
Playoff Picture
This win keeps the Laker's hopes of postseason play alive as they move into sixth place in the PSAC West. They currently sit 10-9 in the conference, having a one-game lead over Seton Hill in the standings after the Griffen's loss to Cal (Pa.) tonight 68-66.
Next Game
Mercyhurst looks to close out the home portion of their 2022-23 schedule with a win in their next game as they are set to host Clarion on Saturday with tip-off set for 1:00 p.m.
