WEST HAVEN, Conn. — The Mercyhurst women's basketball team extended their win streak to six in a row, defeating New Haven 81-75, in an overtime thriller. The Lakers hit a season-high 16 three-pointers to secure the win.
 
Cici Hernandez posted a team-high 21 points, making four 3-pointers in the second half to power the Lakers come from behind win. Lena Walz, Sofia Wilson, and Jenna Van Schaik all hit double digits in the Lakers' seventh consecutive victory.
 
After missing their first four attempts, Mercyhurst (7-13, 7-2 NEC) took a 7-6 lead with just over five minutes remaining in the opening frame. New Haven pulled ahead at the end of the first stanza, powered by an 8-2 run over the final five minutes of the quarter.
 
The Lakers shifted momentum in the second quarter with a series of perimeter shots, highlighted by Van Schaik's 3-pointer at 5:57, which kept the visitors competitive.
 
Walz added another crucial 3-pointer, narrowing the gap to 23–17. Despite a strong interior offense from New Haven (6-14, 4-5 NEC), the Lakers managed to stay within reach, closing the quarter with Imani Frazier's layup at the buzzer. The quarter ended with New Haven leading 34–26.
 
Mercyhurst initiated a pivotal run in the third quarter with a series of 3-pointers, starting with Hernandez's shot at 9:31, assisted by Van Schaik. This momentum was sustained as Wilson hit a 3-pointer at 5:26, narrowing the gap and prompting a timeout from New Haven.
 
Walz then tied the game with a 3-pointer at 3:23, assisted by Wilson once more. The Green and Blue continued to surge ahead with Hernandez's layup at 2:03 and a subsequent 3-pointer at 1:30. The quarter concluded with Mercyhurst in command, leading 53–48.
 
Mercyhurst opened the fourth quarter with a series of effective three-point plays, highlighted by Quinn Borroni's shot at 8:55, assisted by Wilson, giving them a six-point lead. Hernandez added to the momentum with another 3-pointer at 8:09, pushing the score to 59-52.
 
Walz gave the Lakers a five-point lead on a driving layup at 3:17 mark in the fourth quarter, but the Chargers closed the gap, eventually tying the game at 69 on a pair of free throw makes with one minute remaining.
 
After an empty possession on the offensive end, the Lakers secured a crucial rebound to send the game to overtime.
 
The Lakers gave up the first four points of overtime, Van Schaik shifted momentum for Mercyhurst with a layup with 3:26 remaining, followed by a pivotal 3-pointer assisted by Hernandez at 3:16, putting them ahead 74–73.
 
Wilson extended the lead with a crucial 3-pointer at 0:51, again assisted by Hernandez, increasing the score to 79–75. Wilson then secured the victory with a layup at 0:24. The Green and Blue finished the quarter with a 12–6 advantage, securing the 81–75 win.
 
The Lakers are back in action at home Saturday as they host Chicago State. Tipoff is set for 1:00 p.m.