MERCYHURST (0-10, 0-0 NEC) at SYRACUSE (10-1, 1-0 ACC)
Friday, December 19 – 10:30 a.m.
TV: ACCNX
 
The Mercyhurst women's basketball team and the Syracuse Orange are set to meet for the first time Friday morning. Syracuse represents the second ever ACC opponent for Mercyhurst. The Lakers squared off with Notre Dame in last year's season opener, their first ever meeting with a member of the ACC.
 
The Opponent
The Orange are out to a 10-1 start on the year, suffering their only loss to Michigan on a neutral floor. Cuse has won its last two games handily, cruising to an 88-42 win over Colgate and a 72-54 victory over Binghamton Tuesday. Cuse was picked 13th in the ACC preseason poll in the 18-team league. Last season, the Orange finished 14th with a 6-12 conference record. However, they picked up a big transfer in Laila Phelia from Texas. Phelia was named to the Ann Meyers-Drysdale Preseason Top 20 List and was a 2 time All B1G selection at Michigan before transferring to Texas.
 
Last Time Out
Sophomore forward Erica Hall had a career game with 26 points as the Lakers fell to Mount St. Mary's Monday evening in Maryland. Hall had a near double-double contributing nine rebounds as well.

Cici Hernandez chipped in 17, but the Lakers early deficit proved too much to overcome, going down 21-12 in the first quarter.
 
NEC Rookie of the Week
Sofia Wilson was named the NEC Rookie of the Week Monday for her performance against St. Bonaventure. The Avon Lake, Ohio native poured in a career-high 23 points, making six shots from deep to keep the Lakers in the game down to the end.

Freshman Shannon Heine was named an NEC Prime Performer for her contributions against SBU. The rookie chipped in 12 points and nine rebounds in the 60-57 loss at home last Friday.
 
On the Boards
The Lakers out rebounded their opponent for the first time this season at Mount St. Mary's. Mercyhurst pulled down 33 boards to Mounts 32. Erica Hall had a career-high nine rebounds in the game while Sofia Wilson and Ella Cupka each added four. 
 
Taking Care of the Ball
The Lakers recorded their fourth game with 13 or fewer turnovers against St. Bonaventure. Not including the Lakers three games against ranked opponents, they are averaging 15.4 turnovers per contest, what would be second best in the NEC