ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Roberts Wesleyan University women's basketball team played its final game before the Thanksgiving break on Saturday afternoon in the Voller Athletic Center.
The Redhawks stayed with visiting Mercyhurst early, but the visiting Lakers pulled away in the second half to earn a 72-57 victory in the non-conference game.
"I thought that we competed well," Roberts coach Kevin Clifford said. "The game was a five-possession game most of the time, but you have to give Mercyhurst credit. They really rebounded well, were physical and defended us well."
Roberts (2-2) took a 27-26 lead on a short jump shot by junior Grace Dow with 3:25 to play in the second quarter, but Mercyhurst outscored Roberts 46-30 the rest of the way, including a 6-0 run to close the first half.
Danielle DiCintio and Georgia Haverlock each scored 15 points to lead the Redhawks and sophomore guard Marianna Freeman added 14 points. DiCintio also led Roberts in rebounds (5) and assists (3).
Mercyhurst outscored Roberts 26-16 in the paint and limited the Redhawks to one offensive rebound in the contest.
"I thought that we fought really hard," said Freeman, who has scored in double figures in each of her first four games as a Redhawk. "We still have some things to work on and I am sure that we will do that in practice."
The Redhawks return to action on Wednesday, Nov. 29 when they open conference play against D'Youville. Tip-off in the Voller Athletic Center is scheduled for 6 p.m.