ERIE, Pa. — Cornell edged Mercyhurst women's basketball, 53-49, despite the Lakers scoring 20 points off turnovers. Lena Walz had a second consecutive game posting a career-high in points with 13.
 
Mercyhurst opened the game with a slow start, as Cornell jumped out to 7-0 lead. The Lakers managed to cut into the deficit with Lena Walz's 3-pointer at 6:30 and added a free throw shortly after. Despite Walz's efforts, including a critical steal and a layup in the final minute, the Lakers trailed Cornell 19–9 at the end of the first quarter.
 
Mercyhurst shifted momentum with a pivotal 3-pointer by Sofia Wilson at 3:38, narrowing the gap against Cornell. Alena Fusetti contributed defensively with a steal and assisted on a fast-break layup earlier in the quarter, highlighting Mercyhurst's aggressive play. The quarter concluded with a strong defensive stand, limiting Cornell to six points, and closing the gap to 25–20 at halftime.
 
The Lakers opened the third quarter with a 3-pointer by Van Schaik assisted by Wilson at 9:05, briefly narrowing the gap. Despite a strong defensive rebound effort, the Lakers struggled with turnovers, which allowed Cornell to extend their lead. Walz and Erica Hall each contributed with key baskets, but the Green and Blue found it challenging to sustain momentum. Cici Hernandez added a late 3-pointer at 1:10 to close the quarter. The quarter concluded with Cornell outscoring Mercyhurst 19–14, ending the period with a score of 44–34 in favor of Cornell.
 
The Lakers surged midway through the fourth quarter with a critical sequence, cutting into Cornell's lead. Hall converted a layup at 7:34, assisted by Hernandez, narrowing the gap. Fusetti's 3-pointer at 6:01 further tightened the score. Van Schaik provided a pivotal moment, scoring a layup at 3:55 to give Mercyhurst a brief lead, assisted again by Hernandez.
 
Despite their efforts, the Lakers faced a late challenge as Cornell regained control with a 3-pointer by Emily Pape at 1:46. Mercyhurst continued to battle, with Van Schaik scoring again with seven seconds remaining. However, Cornell sealed the game with free throws in the final moments, concluding the contest at 53-49 in favor of Cornell.