Mercyhurst Tops Women’s Basketball

#2 Imani Brown led the Warriors with 19 points. Photo Credit / Ronald Hanaki #2 Imani Brown led the Warriors with 19 points. Photo Credit / Ronald Hanaki
#2 Imani Brown led the Warriors with 19 points. Photo Credit / Ronald Hanaki
#2 Imani Brown led the Warriors with 19 points.
Photo Credit / Ronald Hanaki

By Ronald Hanaki
Sports Editor

The Mercyhurst University Lakers defeated ESU’s Women’s Basketball team 74-71 at Mercyhurst Athletic Center in Erie last Sunday. With the win, Mercyhurst is one of four teams that are undefeated in the PSAC.

The Lakers were led by senior forward Natalie Piaggesi. At six feet and one inch tall, Piaggessi was a matchup problem that the Warriors could not solve.

Piaggesi scored 25 points in a dominant performance. She also had seven rebounds, five blocked shots and five assists.

ESU led the game 17-14 at the end of the first quarter, but Mercyhurst’s second quarter offensive surge gave the Lakers a 38-28 lead at halftime.

The Warriors would begin to chip away at Mercyhurst’s lead in the second half, but the Lakers still led the Warriors 59-52 at the end of the third quarter.

ESU continued to work in the fourth quarter. The Warriors took their first second half lead when senior forward Madison Tamburrini’s jump shot made the score 67-66 ESU with 4:25 left in the game.

But in the next minute, Piaggesi quickly answered with two layups that put Mercyhurst ahead 70-66. The Warriors made it close, but the Lakers held on to win the game.

ESU was led in scoring by junior guard Imani Brown’s 19 points and senior forward Allison Howard’s 17 points.

Sophomore guard Noelle Powell continued her hot shooting with 12 points off the bench.

The Warriors (5-2, 2-2) will return to Erie and play Gannon this Saturday.

Email Ronald at:
rhanaki@live.esu.edu