• Box Score
 
ERIE, Pa. (Dec. 4) – The California University of Pennsylvania women's basketball team came back from an eight-point, second-half deficit to earn a 71-66 win over Mercyhurst in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West action Wednesday evening.
 
The win improves the Vulcans to 2-4 this season and 2-1 in conference play. Meanwhile, the Lakers fall to 1-1 in PSAC West play and 1-5 overall.
 
Three players scored in double-figures to lead Cal U, including 15 points from both senior Elena Antonenko (Moscow, Russia/State University of Physical Education) and junior Kaitlynn Fratz (Accident, Md./Northern Garrett). Junior Emma Mahady (Albury, Australia/Xavier) chipped in 14 points and posted a career-high three blocked shots in the win.
 
Cal U built its largest lead of the first half of the first half following a lay-up by sophomore Nia-Tayler Clark (Bowie, Md./Bowie) that gave the Vulcans a 26-18 lead with 7:27 left in the first half. Mercyhurst took the lead with a 10-1 run over the next seven minutes, but a lay-up by freshman Precious Martin (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin) with 15 seconds left in the half sent the Vulcans into the break up 29-28.
 
The Lakers controlled play in the first nine minutes of the second half, taking a 49-41 lead with 10:50 remaining in the game. Cal U rallied back, going on a 21-9 run over the next seven minutes to take a 62-58 lead with 3:58 left in the contest. The Vulcans closed the door on Mercyhurst when junior Chelsea McKnight (Grove City, Ohio/Harvest Prep) drained a three-pointer to put Cal U ahead 69-62 with 1:44 left in the game.
 
The Vulcans shot 48 percent from the field (28-of-58) compared to the Lakers, who shot just a clip above 42 percent (23-of-54). Cal U also took advantage in transition, out-scoring Mercyhurst 10-0 in fastbreak points. The Vulcans also earned 21 points off of 17 Laker turnovers.
 
Cal U returns home Saturday, Dec. 7, for a matinee contest against PSAC West rival Edinboro. The opening tip is set for 3:30 p.m.