ERIE, Pa. — The Mercyhurst women's basketball team defeated Stonehill, 70-64, with a strong fourth quarter, outscoring Stonehill 25-20. Jenna Van Schaik had a team-high 23 points while Sofia Wilson added 19.
 
Mercyhurst (15-15, 14-4 NEC) began the first quarter by trading early baskets with Stonehill (12-18, 8-10 NEC), highlighted by Erica Hall's layup at 8:39. Despite a robust defensive effort, including three steals and a block by Cici Hernandez, the Lakers struggled to keep pace offensively.
 
Van Schaik contributed significantly with a layup at 4:13 and another at 1:27, but Stonehill's shooting accuracy, including three 3-pointers, maintained their lead. The quarter ended with Stonehill ahead, 20-11.
 
The Lakers narrowed the gap in the second quarter, sparked by Wilson's back-to-back 3-pointers, bringing their score to within two points at 3:05. Their efforts in the paint were bolstered by Hall's defensive rebounds, which helped sustain their momentum. Mercyhurst outscored Stonehill 16-11 in the quarter, closing the half trailing 31-27.
 
The Lakers surged in the third quarter with a decisive series of plays, highlighted by Lena Walz's pivotal three-pointer at 2:59 that tied the game at 40. Wilson then capitalized with a layup at 0:45, pushing them ahead. Despite a late layup by Stonehill, the Lakers maintained their edge, ending the quarter with a 45-44 lead.
 
Mercyhurst secured the game with a decisive 25-20 run in the fourth quarter, bolstered by Wilson's crucial layup at 8:49 to extend the lead. Van Schaik was pivotal, converting multiple free throws and layups, including a layup with 34 seconds remaining, which pushed the home team's advantage to a safe margin.
 
Stonehill attempted to close the gap, but the Lakers' offense and timely free-throw shooting maintained control. The game ended with Mercyhurst on top, 70-64.
 
The Lakers move on to the NEC Tournament semifinals at home Thursday. The game will stream on ESPN+.