ERIE, Pa. — The Mercyhurst women's basketball team (1-13, 1-2 NEC) fell to LIU (8-6, 3-0 NEC), 86-81, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center, despite hitting 12 three-pointers and forcing 17 turnovers. Cici Hernandez had a career-high 25 points, hitting six 3-pointers.
 
The Lakers opened the first quarter with a fast break layup by Lena Walz following a steal by Sofia Wilson, setting an early pace. Despite tying the game at 5 with a layup from Wilson at 6:43, the Green and Blue trailed as LIU's Kadidia Toure and Laura Molnárová helped their team regain and extend the lead.
 
Hernandez kept the Lakers close by draining a three-pointer at 1:59, narrowing the gap. However, LIU managed to pull ahead in the final seconds, finishing the quarter with a 22–17 lead.
 
The Lakers gained momentum midway through the second quarter with a three-pointer by Hernandez at 5:16, assisted by Wilson, cutting into LIU's lead. Despite a challenging stretch, Mercyhurst's offense showed resilience with Alena Fusetti connecting on a three-pointer at 4:48, again assisted by Wilson, narrowing the gap further. However, LIU managed to maintain their advantage, and the second quarter concluded with LIU leading 45–34.
 
Mercyhurst mounted a strong offensive run in the third quarter, highlighted by Wilson's three-pointer at 8:06, reducing the deficit to single digits. Erica Hall's layup with 43 seconds remaining further closed the gap, bringing the score to 61-59. Despite their efforts, LIU held on to their lead by making crucial free throws in the final seconds. The quarter ended with a score of 63-59 in favor of LIU.
 
The Lakers initiated a strong push in the fourth quarter with Hernandez and Wilson both connecting on key three-pointers, narrowing the gap to 69–65 early on.
 
Despite this effort, LIU maintained their edge with a critical layup by Toure with 1:19 left, extending their lead to 82–75. Mercyhurst continued to fight back, with Walz hitting a three-pointer with 35 seconds remaining to bring the score to 84–78. However, LIU's free throws in the final seconds sealed the outcome.
The Lakers continue their homestand Saturday as they host Wagner for a 1 p.m. tipoff.