Erie, PA- The Mercyhurst Women's Basketball team began PSAC West play this afternoon, as they played host to the Panthers of UPJ. Despite being down by ten at halftime, the Lakers used a huge second half to defeat the Panthers and to earn their 11th straight victory. Their current win streak proves to be the longest in program history, dating back to the late 1980's. With the 61-53 win, The Lakers move to 11-2 on the year, and 7-0 in conference play.
How it Happened:
The Panthers had their way in the first quarter, holding the Lakers to only 4 points. Gaining a 16 to 4 advantage after the first frame, the Panthers benefited from a 12-0 run to start the game. Danielle Grim finally got the Lakers on the board with a free throw and a jumper in back-to-back possessions.
Lauren Klare got going in the second quarter to help the Lakers stay in the game, converting a layup and hitting a three. Julia Buchman also cashed a three in the quarter to keep the Lakers afloat. UPJ continued to execute offensively however, as they took a 29-19 lead heading into halftime.
Danielle Grim led Mercyhurst with 6 points and 4 rebounds in the half. UPJ shot 42% from the field in the first half, compared to the Mercyhurst line of 29%.
The Laker coaching staff has been masterful in making mid game adjustments throughout the start of this season. With the largest lead at 20-6, in favor of UPJ, the Lakers again used a huge 3rd quarter to get the game back to one possession. To start the third quarter, Baley Kuhns scored 6 straight points before Julia Buchman hit another big three to make the score 32-28. With a little over a minute left, Maria McConnell cashed in a corner three to bring the Lakers within two points. With the clock winding down, UPJ answered with an and one conversion to make the score 45-41 going into the fourth quarter.
The Lakers left it all out on the floor in the fourth. Danielle Grim was dominant at the start of the quarter, tallying 6 quick points. Jenna Van Schaik and Bailey Kuhns then chipped in a couple of buckets apiece to give Mercyhurst their first lead. The Laker never looked back from there as they clamped down on the defensive end to earn a 61-53 victory.
Highlights
Dating back to 1988-1990, the Lakers had two winning streaks that ended at ten. Today is etched in history, as this year's team found that 11th win.
Daniell Grim was all over the place today. Recording 16 points and 6 rebounds, Grim has a motor that never stops. Bailey Kuhns also did her thing again today, posting 16 points and 4 rebounds.
Lauren Klare came up huge for the Lakers as well, posting a double double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Despite shooting under 30% from the field in the first half, the Lakers finished the game shooting close to 50%.
Up Next
The Lakers are back in action on Wednesday January 10th, as they hit the road to take on IUP at 5:30 PM.
