Box Score

SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - The Shippensburg women's basketball team struggled in the first half, scoring just 23 points and falling behind by double digits at halftime before dropping a 70-56 decision to Mercyhurst on Saturday afternoon in a PSAC crossover at Heiges Field House.

Shippensburg (6-4) capitalized on Mercyhurst's early struggles by taking a 6-2 lead on a jumper by sophomore forward Kasey Gardner at the 16:29 mark. The visitors finished the half by forcing 11 turnovers and out-scoring the Lady Raiders by a 33-17 margin to lead at halftime, 35-23.

Mercyhurst (5-5) committed 22 turnovers but was able to take control of the game by capitalizing on its open looks from distance. The Lakers drilled 9-of-17 attempts from behind the three-point line in the game, while out-rebounding Shippensburg 33-28.

The difference in momentum came in the final three minutes of the first half. Shippensburg trailed by just five points, 26-21, at the 2:52 mark. The Lady Raider defense forced another defensive stop but Amy Achesinski grabbed an offensive rebound off her own shot, made a lay-up while being fouled and subsequently converted the three-point play.

The Lakers closed the half on a 9-2 run to stretch its lead from five points to 12 by making four of their five field-goal attempts while forcing two turnovers and scoring on both chances. Shippensburg did not make it to the free-throw line in the first half, as Mercyhurst was whistled for just four fouls in the opening 20 minutes.  

Junior forward Lauren Beckley and senior guard Elise Mercer led Shippensburg in scoring with 16 points each, while Gardner finished with 14 points and nine rebounds.

Stephanie Prischak led all scorers with 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting, while Achesinski had 16 points and seven rebounds for the Lakers. Jackie Artise contributed 12 points off the bench, making three of her four three-point attempts. 

Shippensburg returns to action tomorrow in another PSAC Crossover against Slippery Rock from Heiges Field House at 1 p.m. The Rock (4-6) lost on Saturday to Cheyney, 66-56.