LORETTO, Pa. — The Mercyhurst women's basketball team (8-14, 8-3 NEC) defeated Saint Francis University (2-20, 2-9 NEC), 79-59, at DeGol Arena, leading by 16 points at halftime and scoring 40 points in the paint.

The Lakers started strong in the first quarter, quickly overcoming an early 3-point deficit with a layup by Jenna Van Schaik and a 3-pointer from Cici Hernandez to take the lead. The team capitalized on Saint Francis turnovers, converting a total of three steals into points, including a fast-break layup by Erica Hall. The Lakers' efficient shooting, hitting 11 of 15 shots including four 3-pointers, enabled them to maintain momentum throughout the quarter.

The team controlled the paint with 14 points and limited Saint Francis to just four. The Green and Blue closed the quarter with a dominant performance, extending the lead to 28-12, demonstrating strong defensive and offensive execution.

The Lakers maintained control in the second quarter, capitalizing on defensive efforts with four steals, including a critical one by Quinn Borroni early in the quarter. Hernandez contributed with steady free-throw shooting at 7:40, extending the team's advantage. Van Schaik's layup at 7:07 and an assist on a 3-pointer by Alena Fusetti at 6:18 highlighted the offensive drive.

Saint Francis managed to close the gap slightly with a 3-pointer by Bati Assefa at 2:28 and a late 3-pointer by Sonia Sato with just 17 seconds remaining. However, Sofia Wilson's layup in the closing seconds allowed the Green and Blue to maintain their lead. The quarter concluded with Mercyhurst ahead, 41-24.

The Lakers opened the third quarter with consistent pressure, capitalizing on Saint Francis turnovers. Van Schaik made an immediate impact with successful free throws and a series of layups, contributing to a steady offensive rhythm. Lena Walz and Hall added crucial rebounds and layups to keep the momentum.

Despite the Red Flash's attempts to close the gap, including points in the paint and fast breaks, Mercyhurst maintained control. Hernandez and Wilson were instrumental in generating defensive stops, with multiple steals throughout the quarter. The Green and Blue ended the quarter with a narrow advantage, leading 60–42.

Mercyhurst started the fourth quarter by maintaining control with efficient shooting, connecting on seven field goals from 13 attempts. Their offensive efforts were highlighted by a 3-pointer from Hernandez at 6:20, extending their advantage. The team capitalized on defensive rebounds to limit Saint Francis's scoring opportunities in the paint.

Despite a brief surge from Saint Francis, including Shelby Ricks's 3-pointer at 4:46, the Lakers responded with a series of successful plays. Van Schaik contributed with back-to-back assists, facilitating layups for Walz and Hall. Mercyhurst maintained their momentum through efficient free-throw shooting, with Fusetti converting two from the line at 1:08.

The quarter concluded with the Green and Blue's defense holding firm, allowing only 17 points while scoring 19 themselves. The game ended with a decisive lead, as Mercyhurst secured the win with a final score of 79-59.

Van Schaik led the Lakers with 23 points, converting all eight of her free throw attempts and adding seven rebounds. Hernandez contributed 15 points, making three of her eight attempts from beyond the arc and securing two steals. Walz recorded 11 points and collected six rebounds while also tallying three steals. Hall added 14 points, shooting 7-for-11 from the field, and grabbed three rebounds.

The Lakers stand at 8-14 overall with an 8-3 record in NEC competition. Saint Francis is now 2-20 overall and 2-9 in NEC play. 

Mercyhurst will be back in action Saturday at 1:00PM as they take on FDU.