Erie, PA- After earning a big home win against Edinboro last week, the Mercyhurst Women's Basketball team dropped a tough one on the road against Seton Hill. The Lakers will now look to turn the page as they get set to take on Gannon University on Wednesday, January 24th, and California University of Pennsylvania on Saturday, January 27th. Wednesday's matchup will be held on the Hagerty Events Center in downtown Erie and is scheduled for 5:30 PM. Saturday's game is slated for 1:00 PM at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.  

Scouting Gannon  

Gannon is currently ranked as the number one team in the PSAC West. The Golden Knights are also ranked first in the most recent regional poll, and 4th in the most recent national poll. Bringing a 19-1 overall record into the game, the Knights remain unbeaten in conference play. Gannon is led by two prolific scorers, Samantha Pirosko and Bri Claxton. Pirosko averages 17.4 points per game to go along with 7.1 rebounds. Claxton complements that statline by contributing 14.2 points per game. Through 20 games, Gannon has averaged 73.2 points per game and held opponents to only 52.8. In a cross-town battle, defensive stops will make the difference in a matchup that features two elite and balanced squads.  

Scouting Cal  

The week doesn't get any easier for the Lakers as they then play host to the Vulcans of Cal U. Despite having a meeting with UPJ before the scheduled game with Mercyhurst, Cal U brings a solid record to Erie, currently posting an overall record of 12-4. The Vulcans have also been effective in conference, winning 70% of their games (7-3). The Vulcans bring a balanced attack, with multiple players capable of scoring the ball. Led by redshirt Senior, Dejah Terrell, who averages 13.1 points a game to go along with 8.5 rebounds, Cal U can play with the best of them. The Vulcans have won 4 of their last 5, with their lone loss being a 1-point defeat to Gannon. As teams get into the bulk of their schedules, it's the in-conference matchups like these that become very important.  

Laker Leaders 

Bailey Kuhns and Danielle Grim have been models of consistency for the Lakers. Bailey Kuhns currently averages 15.3 points a game to go along with 5.1 rebounds. Kuhns is relentless within the paint and makes it very difficult for opposing forwards and centers. Danielle Grim continues to control the back court. On the year, Grim is averaging 13.2 points per game to go along with 8.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists. Grim also leads the team in blocks and steals so far this year. Mercyhurst seems to go as Danny goes.  

Lauren Klare and Julia Buchman remain steady for the Lakers, as both launch it from beyond the arc and find their way into the lane. Paige Woodford and Jenna Van Schaik have also come on for the Lakers as each bring intensity and energy to the squad, which often results in buckets on the offensive side and stops on the defensive end.  

Up Next:  

Mercyhurst won't have long to rest, as they enter the end of the month with 3 games in 6 days. It begins with Clarion University. The Lakers will welcome Clarion on Monday, January 29th. Tip is scheduled for 5:30 PM.