MERCYHURST (0-8, 0-0 NEC) vs ST. BONAVENTURE (8-3, 0-0 A10)
Friday, Dec. 12 – 6:00 p.m.
TV: NEC Front Row
 
The Mercyhurst women's basketball team will meet St. Bonaventure for the first time since the 1985-86 season Friday evening at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. Tipoff is set for 6:00 p.m. The game will stream on NEC Front Row.
 
The Opponent
St. Bonaventure is out to one of its best starts in a while, starting 5-0 for the first time since 2009-10.
 
Graduate transfer Laycee Drake has led the way for the Bonnies, averaging 16.5 points per game while adding a team-high 6.3 rebounds. Niagara transfer Aaliyah Parker has also made an instant impact for the Bonnies adding 12.5 points per contest and 5.6 rebounds in 21 minutes.
 
St. Bonaventure coach Jim Crowley reached a major milestone with a 66-57 win over Le Moyne last Saturday he reached 400 career wins.
 
The Bonnies finished last season with a 6-24 record, going 2-16 in Atlantic 10 play. They were selected last in the A-10 preseason poll.
 
Last Time Out
The Lakers faced their third ranked opponent of the nonconference slate last Friday at No. 25 West Virginia, falling 97-51. Sofia Wilson and Erica Hall both posted career highs in points in Morgantown with Hall dropping 13 and Wilson pouring on 14.
 
Familiar Face
Sophomore guard Lena Walz is set to face her former squad in the Bonnies Friday. Walz spent her freshman year at St. Bonaventure before transferring to Mercyhurst.
 
Efficient
Jenna Van Schaik has been shooting efficiently from the floor this season, making 44 percent of her shots.
 
Behind the Arc
One of the best 3-point shooting teams in the NEC meets one of the best 3-point defenses in the A-10 Friday evening. The Lakers are shooting 30.2 percent from beyond the arc, good for fourth in the NEC. The Bonnies are holding opponents to 24.2 percent from 3-point range, second in the Atlantic 10.
 
At the Stripe
The Lakers are one of the best free throw shooting teams in the NEC at 77.1 percent. Cici Hernandez is leading the way, making all 13 of her attempts to start the season.