Box Score
WEST CHESTER, Pa. – Mercyhurst shot 50 percent from the field and 45 percent from beyond the 3-point arc in the second half en route to a 67-60 victory over host West Chester in a PSAC crossover women’s basketball contest inside Hollinger Field House Saturday.
West Chester (9-3) saw its modest two-game win streak come to a close while Mercyhurst (8-3) extended its winning streak to seven straight with the victory.
The visiting Lakers scored 38 points in the second half, powered by a 5-for-11 effort from 3-point range. Amy Achesinski (16 points) and Megan Hoffman (12 points) each hit a pair of free throws in the final minute of play to keep the Golden Rams at bay after the hosts had closed to within three points each time.
West Chester went on a mini 9-2 run with eight minutes remaining in the tilt to cut a 10-point lead to three (59-56). That is when Mercyhurst hit its timely foul shots to hold off the home team’s challenge.
Mercyhurst’s 16-7 run early in the second half turned a tie game into a nine-point advantage for the Lakers, and the visitors never trailed again. Hoffman and Nikki Frederickson each hit a 3-pointer while Achesinski converted a conventional 3-point play to ignite the spurt.
Achesinski finished with seven rebounds to go along with her 16 points to pace Mercyhurst. Samantha Loadman contributed 12 points off the bench as the Lakers put four different players in double figures.
West Chester was led by Janelle Garber and Allison Hostetter, who each scored 13 points for the Golden Rams. Garber led all players with eight rebounds. Renata Neal scored eight points as well.
West Chester is back in action on Sunday with a 1 p.m. contest against visiting Slippery Rock in the final crossover contest of the year before the Rams begin Eastern Division play next weekend.
