ERIE, Pa. —The Mercyhurst women's basketball team fell to FDU, 68-46, in the NEC opener Friday evening at the Mercyhurst Athletics Center. Sofia Wilson led the way for the Lakers with 17 points.
 
The game commenced with FDU taking an early lead, but the Lakers quickly responded with a layup from Jenna Van Schaik at 8:51 to tie the score. Despite the Lakers' efforts, including a layup by Lena Walz at 5:40, FDU maintained control, extending their lead with a series of successful free throws and three-pointers.
 
The Lakers (0-12, 0-1 NEC) found momentum late in the quarter with Wilson contributing two key layups, narrowing the gap. However, FDU closed the quarter ahead, leading 18–10.
 
Mercyhurst created momentum late in the second quarter with a crucial steal by Van Schaik, who then completed a fast-break layup with 21 seconds remaining. Cici Hernandez contributed with two layups and a three-pointer to keep the offense active. However, FDU maintained their edge by converting four three-point shots, ending the quarter with a 16–10 advantage. At halftime, FDU led 34–20.
 
In the third quarter, the Lakers found a spark with Wilson's layup at 5:47, which began a stretch that included a three-pointer from Erica Hall at 4:03, assisted by Wilson, narrowing the gap slightly. Despite these efforts, FDU's consistent scoring, including a three-pointer from Kailee McDonald at 5:30, maintained their lead. FDU outscored Mercyhurst 21-15 in the quarter.
 
The Lakers began the fourth quarter with strong defensive plays, highlighted by Alena Fusetti's steal and subsequent layup at 9:13. Wilson added to the momentum with a fast-break layup at 8:27, but despite these efforts, FDU maintained pressure with timely scoring. Mercyhurst found additional points from Wilson's three-pointer at 5:22, yet FDU's consistent answers kept the game competitive. The game ended with a final score of 68-46 in favor of FDU.