NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — The Mercyhurst women's basketball team improved to 3-2 in NEC play, defeating Central Connecticut State, 80-63, securing the win with 12 3-pointers and a 35-31 rebounding advantage.
 
Jenna Van Schaik and Cici Hernandez combined for 42 of the Lakers' 80 points on the night while shooting over 60 percent from the floor. Freshman Sofia Wilson tacked on 14 points with five assists and two steals.
 
The Lakers seized an early lead, highlighted by Lena Walz's 3-pointer at 9:41, assisted by Van Schaik.
 
Mercyhurst maintained momentum with a series of successful perimeter shots, including contributions from Hernandez and Alena Fusetti, each adding a 3-pointer. Despite CCSU's efforts to counter with points in the paint, the Lakers' shooting from beyond the arc and free throws helped them hold a slim lead at the end of the first, 20-18.
 
Midway through the second quarter, Mercyhurst gained momentum with a crucial three-pointer by Hernandez, assisted by Wilson, at 7:52, giving them a 25–24 lead. A subsequent layup by Hernandez at 5:02 widened their advantage to 31–28.
 
The Green and Blue capitalized on key free throws and a strong defensive effort, including a pivotal defensive rebound by Erica Hall at 00:52, holding the Blue Devils at bay. The quarter concluded with Mercyhurst outscoring CCSU 22–18, leading the game 42–36.
 
The Lakers took control early in the third quarter with a series of key plays, including a layup by Van Schaik assisted by Wilson at 9:13, which increased their lead. Van Schaik continued to make an impact, hitting a 3-pointer at 8:03 with an assist from Walz, extending the margin.
 
Despite CCSU's efforts, Mercyhurst maintained their advantage with effective scoring in the paint, highlighted by Hernandez's fast-break layup at 5:19, assisted by Wilson. Mercyhurst concluded the quarter ahead 59–48.
 
Mercyhurst extended their lead early in the fourth quarter, sparked by Wilson's 3-pointer at 8:07, assisted by Van Schaik.
 
The Lakers' dominance from beyond the arc continued with Wilson hitting another three at 7:01, again with Van Schaik's assist, contributing to a significant 69-50 advantage. Van Schaik added to the lead with a 3-pointer at 6:16, assisted by Wilson, solidifying Mercyhurst's control.
 
 Despite CCSU's efforts to close the gap, the Lakers maintained their momentum. Erica Hall's tip-in at 1:22 further bolstered the lead. Emma Sollenne sealed the quarter with a free throw, concluding the game with a final score of 80-63 in favor of Mercyhurst.
 
The Lakers improved to 2-0 in NEC road games while posting their best shooting percentage of the season at 49.2.
 
Mercyhurst continues its road trip at Stonehill Saturday.