ERIE, Pa. — The Mercyhurst women's basketball team (2-13, 2-2 NEC) edged Wagner (6-9, 2-2 NEC), 69-66, overcoming a first-quarter deficit with a strong fourth-quarter performance. The Lakers capitalized on Wagner's 19 turnovers, converting them into 22 points. Lena Walz had a career-high 22 points on 8-of-18 shooting.
 
Three other Lakers joined Walz in double figures. Freshman Sofia Wilson had 17, Cici Hernandez added 11, and Erica Hall chipped in 10.
 
Mercyhurst began the first quarter with early momentum, as Walz opened scoring with a traditional 3-point play. Hernandez added another layup, extending the advantage to 5-0.
 
However, Wagner responded with efficient scoring in the paint, led by Angelie Ricard, who contributed multiple jumpers. Despite a strong defensive effort by the Green and Blue, including two steals, Wagner capitalized on transition opportunities and free throws to close the quarter. The period ended with Wagner leading 19-9.
 
The Lakers maintained composure with key contributions from Wilson, who hit a 3-pointer at 8:02, and Hernandez, who added a vital layup at 4:45. Walz also connected from beyond the arc at 4:08, aided by an assist from Wilson, to keep the score competitive.
 
Despite Wagner's offensive efforts, Mercyhurst equaled their output in the quarter, closing with a balanced score of 17-17 in the second quarter. The game continued with Wagner holding the lead, 36-26, at halftime.
 
Mercyhurst made a significant push in the third quarter, narrowing Wagner's lead with Hall's three-pointer at 9:44 and Walz's consecutive scoring efforts, including a three-pointer assisted by Wilson at 8:03.
 
Despite Wagner's strong inside presence, the Lakers kept the pressure on with Wilson converting key free throws and layups, bringing the score closer. Wilson's layup with 27 seconds left brought Mercyhurst within three points, but Wagner's late layup at the buzzer concluded the quarter with a score of 52-47 in favor of Wagner.
 
In the fourth quarter, Mercyhurst surged ahead with a crucial series of plays, including a layup from Walz at 9:19 that narrowed the gap. Jenna Van Schaik then provided a spark with a fast-break layup at 8:09, leading to a swing in momentum.
 
Hernandez extended the lead with a three-pointer at 5:40, assisted by Wilson, putting Mercyhurst up 58–54. Despite Wagner's persistent efforts, the Lakers maintained control with a pivotal three-pointer by Hall at 2:16, followed by another from Walz at 1:29, assisted by Hernandez, to secure a 68–62 lead. Wagner attempted a late comeback, but Walz's free throw with 5 seconds left sealed the game. The final score was 69–66, as the Lakers evened their record in conference play to 2-2.
 
The Lakers head east next weekend to take on Central Connecticut State Thursday and Stonehill Saturday.