FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Fitzpatrick Sets Single Game Steals Record but Hot Mercyhurst Too Much for Mountie Women

ERIE – Katie Fitzpatrick scored 12 points and set a record for steals in a game for Mansfield but nothing could cool down a red-hot Mercyhurst in the first half as the Lakers rolled to a 75-36 win in a PSAC crossover contest Wednesday night.

While the weather outside was frigid, Mercyhurst couldn't have been any hotter in the first half hitting six of its first seven shots in racing out to a 14-0 lead in the first four minutes of the game.

The Lakers kept up their torrid pace, connecting on a stunning 80% of their first half shots, in building a 50-22 halftime advantage.

While Mansfield struggled offensively, the Mountaineers did force 26 turnover and were credited with a season-best 18 steals.

Fitzpatrick recorded a double-double the hard way with 11 steals to break the school record of 10 set by Mallory Moore against Central Penn in 2011.

Freshmen Alyssa Mullins and Brielle Kelly each scored six points as Mansfield struggled offensively connecting on a season-low 22.7% of its shots from the floor including 15.2% in the second half.

Mercyhurst, which finished the night hitting 63.6% of their shots, was led by Natalie Pioggesi and Adrienne Kloecker with 19 points each. Pioggesi recorded a triple-double with 17 rebounds and 10 blocked shots.

Mansfield travels to Shippensburg on Saturday.