SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Mercyhurst women's basketball team defeated Le Moyne, 89-72, securing their first overall win and first NEC win of the year, with a commanding 15 3-pointers contributing to the victory. The Lakers capitalized on turnovers, scoring 21 points off Le Moyne's errors.
 
Head coach Erin Mills-Reid earned her first victory as a head coach and led the Lakers to their most points against a Division I opponent in program history with 89.

Coach Mills-Reid collects her first win as a Laker??

Watch the postgame locker room celly??#RollLakers?? pic.twitter.com/vB281NgjTr

— Mercyhurst Women's Basketball (@HurstWBB) January 4, 2026

 
Mercyhurst (1-12, 1-1 NEC) opened the first quarter with strong perimeter shooting, highlighted by Cici Hernandez's two early 3-pointers, both assisted by Lena Walz, which set an early pace. Erica Hall added to the momentum with a 3-pointer at 6:21, extending the lead to 9–3. Shannon Heine hit a triple assisted by Walz, forcing Le Moyne to call a timeout with the Lakers up 14-6 with 4:44 remaining in the quarter.
 
The Lakers maintained pressure with Heine scoring on a turnover caused by Wilson, contributing to their dominance in the paint with 10 points. Walz capped the quarter with a traditional three-point play, solidifying a 25–9 lead at the end of the first.
 
Mercyhurst took control of the second quarter with a strong shooting performance, highlighted by Hernandez's jumper at 9:04 that set the tone.
 
The visitors extended their momentum through a series of successful three-pointers, including Walz's fastbreak three at 6:39, assisted by Hernandez. Alena Fusetti contributed significantly, hitting three 3-pointers, with her final one coming at 2:17 from a Wilson assist.
 
The Green and Blue's defensive efforts limited Le Moyne (3-12, 1-1 NEC) to just three field goals in the quarter. The visitors finished the half leading 50–21.
 
Hernandez opened the third quarter with a 3-pointer, assisted by Jenna Van Schaik, setting the tone for Mercyhurst. Despite a strong response from Le Moyne, Wilson's 3-pointer at 7:56 helped maintain momentum. The Lakers further extended their lead with Fusetti's successful jumper, and Hall contributed with a 3-pointer at 4:49. The quarter concluded with Mercyhurst leading 70–46.
 
The Lakers began the final quarter with a strong effort, highlighted by Wilson's layup at 9:41, which set the tone for their early momentum. Wilson added another layup shortly after, extending the lead. Fusetti capitalized on a technical foul by converting two free throws at 8:03, pushing the score further in Mercyhurst's favor.
 
Despite a brief surge from Le Moyne, including a three-pointer by Sierra Linnin, the Lakers responded effectively. Walz hit a three-pointer at 5:54, followed by another from Quinn Borroni at 5:27, maintaining the visitor's advantage. The game concluded with Mercyhurst securing an 89–72 victory.
 
The win is the Laker's first road victory since a 73-58 victory over LIU on Jan. 20, 2025. The Lakers had five players score double figures against a DI opponent for the first time in program history. Wilson, Fusetti, Hernandez, Walz, and Hall all chipped in 10 or more points in the first conference win of the season.
 
The Lakers are back at home Thursday, Jan. 8 to host LIU. Tipoff is set for 6:00 p.m. at the Mercyhurst Athletics Center.