AMES, Iowa — The Mercyhurst women's basketball team fell to Iowa State, 112-62, with the Lakers converting 12 three-pointers in the matchup. The Lakers were down by just two points after the first quarter, but the 12th ranked Cyclones pulled away in the second and third quarters, moving to a perfect 7-0 on the season.Â
Lena Walz,
Jenna Van Schaik, and
Sofia Wilson all reach double figures in the Lakers second game against a ranked opponent this season. Wilson had a career-high 13 points.Â
Mercyhurst opened the first quarter with a balanced attack, highlighted by Wilson's pair of 3-pointers, drawing even with Iowa State at 13–13 with 6:32 remaining. Despite Iowa State's strong start, the Lakers matched their intensity, keeping pace through effective bench contributions and maintaining a close contest.
Gabby Sweeney's 3-pointer at the 16-second mark tied the game at 24, but Iowa State edged ahead with late free throws, ending the quarter with a 26–24 lead.
Mercyhurst faced a challenging second quarter as Iowa State executed a 32-point performance.
Erica Hall managed to break through with a jumper at 7:52, assisted by Wilson, but the Lakers struggled to maintain momentum. Despite
Jenna Van Schaik's layup at 3:42, turnovers and fouls hampered further scoring opportunities. The quarter concluded with the Lakers trailing 58–33.
Sweeney initiated a brief rally for Mercyhurst with a 3-pointer at 6:07, assisted by Walz, narrowing the gap momentarily. Wilson added another 3-pointer at 4:07, assisted by Van Schaik, to bolster the effort. However, Iowa State's was able to capitalize on foul trouble from the Lakers, making 34-of-40 free throws in the contest. The quarter ended with Iowa State leading 89–43.Â
The Lakers made a spirited push in the fourth quarter, highlighted by 3-pointers from
Cici Hernandez, Van Schaik, and Walz. Hernandez opened the frame with a long-range shot assisted by Walz just 20 seconds in, setting the tone for their perimeter shooting. Despite their efforts, Iowa State maintained their lead, pulling away in the final minutes. The game ended with Iowa State winning 112–62.
Mercyhurst drained a season-best 12 3-pointers.Â
The Lakers are back in action next Sunday, Nov. 30 at Canisius.Â
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