EASTON, Mass. — The Mercyhurst women's basketball team edged Stonehill, 63-58, rallying with a 26-point fourth quarter and capitalizing on 22 points off turnovers.
 
Cici Hernandez scored 24 points, converting 10 of 18 field goal attempts, and added three assists. Erica Hall recorded 17 points, successfully making 7 of her 10 shots from the floor, and collected four steals. Jenna Van Schaik added 13 points, hitting 6 of 11 from the field, and contributed four assists.
 
The Lakers shot 49 percent from the field as a team, making 26-of-53 shots.
 
Hall's layup at 5:56, assisted by Sofia Wilson, put the Green and Blue on the board, igniting a series of efforts to close the early gap. Walz's fast-break 3-pointer at 3:15, assisted by Hernandez, brought the Lakers within one point. Despite Stonehill's early lead, Mercyhurst kept the game tight, with Hernandez adding a layup in the closing minute. The quarter concluded with the Lakers trailing Stonehill 13–11.
 
Mercyhurst gained momentum in the second quarter, highlighted by a fast break layup from Van Schaik at 6:22 that tied the score at 19-19. The team capitalized on Stonehill's turnovers with five steals, creating crucial scoring opportunities.
 
The Lakers continued to press, and a late three-pointer by Alena Fusetti with 52 seconds left leveled the score. The quarter concluded with both teams tied at 26-26.
 
Mercyhurst (4-13, 4-2 NEC) took control early in the third quarter with Wilson hitting a 3-pointer at 8:35, assisted by Van Schaik, to regain the lead at 29-28. Hernandez extended the advantage with another 3-pointer at 7:04, making it 32-28.
 
Despite these efforts, Stonehill responded by tying the game multiple times, including a fast break layup at 1:42, which put them ahead 38-37. Stonehill pulled away late in the quarter, taking a 41-37 lead into the final stanza.
 
Mercyhurst seized control in the fourth quarter, overcoming a deficit with a key sequence from Hernandez, who contributed a layup and a jumper to edge within one point. Hall then pushed the Lakers ahead at 4:34 with a fast-break layup, assisted by Van Schaik.
 
The Lakers maintained momentum, culminating in a 3-pointer from Hernandez with 1:38 remaining. Stonehill's efforts to close the gap were countered by the Lakers' defensive plays, including a crucial steal by Walz. Hall's free throws in the final minute extended the lead, and Van Schaik sealed the victory with a fast-break layup.
 
The Lakers improved to 4-2 in NEC play with the 63-58 victory over the Skyhawks.