Erie, PA- Going for their tenth straight win, the Mercyhurst Women's Basketball team took care of business at home this afternoon, as they sent Bloomsburg packing with a convincing win, 68-58. The Lakers are now 10-2 on the season and remain unbeaten in conference play.
How it Happened
The first quarter belonged to the Lakers, as they outscored the Huskies 22-16. Bloomsburg didn't have an answer for Bailey Kuhns, who toyed with the Huskie defense around the rim. Kuhns converted three layups to start the contest, before Danielle Grim and Paige Woodford got on the board. The Huskies finally stopped the bleeding with a three from the top of the key. Paige Woodford and Maria McConnell then scored on back-to-back possessions to bring the lead back to 5. As the clock dwindled, Danielle Grim's quick first step allowed her to get into the lane and find Lauren Klare in the corner for a long ball.
The Lakers came out hot to start the second quarter, again relying on Grim and Kuhns. Bloomsburg remained persistent however, as the Laker lead became stagnant at 5. With 5:00 minutes to play in the half, the Huskies converted two free throws to tie the game. Danielle Grim answered the bell, with a contested jumper to regain the lead. The lead continued to change back and forth between the two teams for the remainder of the half, but the Huskies went on anbit of a run to gain a 38-31 advantage heading into halftime.
Bailey Kuhns and Danielle Grim led the charge offensively in the first half, recording 10 and 6 points respectively. Both teams shot over 50% from field, but the difference came from the charity line, as Bloomsburg shot 78.6% compared to the Laker line of 33.3%.
Mercyhurst responded nicely to start the second half as an offensive set resulted in a Lauren Klare three ball. Danielle Grim cut into the lead a little more with a backdown right-handed hook over her Huskie defender. Another jumper from Grim tied the game at 38 before a lead changing three-pointer fell for Paige Woodford to give the Lakers the lead. Two more lay ins for Kuhns helped build the Mercyhurst lead to 5 once again with 3 minutes left in the third quarter. Just as Bloomsburg showed signs of going on a run, Danielle Grim was given isolation. Using a little hesitation, Grim used a spin to set up a beautiful right-handed scoop shot, which she kissed off the glass to give Mercyhurst a 6-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, 53-47.
Benefiting from a 22-9 third quarter, the Lakers didn't let the Huskies get anywhere near the lead in the fourth quarter. Jenna Van Schaik gave Mercyhurst a huge lift off the bench, scoring 6 quick points to grow the Laker lead to 13. Schaik had her fingerprints all over the 4th quarter and ended the game totaling 14 points. Schaik didn't miss from the field or from the free throw line in the game, as the game ended with a final score of 68-58.
Highlights
With the win, the Lakers tied a program record for consecutive wins, with 10. Bailey Kuhns continued her dominance with 14 points and owned the paint the entire game.
Danielle Grim also had her way this afternoon, tallying 18 points 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Grim seemed to do what she wanted when she wanted this afternoon. Grim found her way in the lane at will and was outstanding setting up teammates as she neared a triple double once again.
Up next
Mercyhurst will be back home on Saturday, January 6th, as they host the University of Pitt-Johntown. Having played a couple of crossover games to date, the Lakers will now focus on PSAC West play.
