FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Fitzpatrick's Triple-Double Leads Mansfield Past Mercy 68-57
 
MANSFIELD – Katie Fitzpatrick recorded just the second triple-double in program history as Mansfield used a 31-point third quarter to down Mercy 68-57 Tuesday night in non-conference action at First Citizens Community Bank Court at Decker Gymnasium.
 
Fitzpatrick scored a team-high 17 points to lead four Mountaineers in double-figure scoring. She also pulled down 12 rebounds and dished out a career-best 10 assists to record the first triple-double since Mallory Moore became the first player in program history to accomplish the feat on Dec. 19, 2011 against Central Penn. Fitzpatrick is one of just eight Division II women's student-athletes to record a triple-double this season.
 
Fitzpatrick also moved past Courtney Brooks (2004-08) for third on the MU all-time assist list and now has 290 career dimes. At 1,234 career points, the senior is now just eight away from passing Jess Uhrich (2003-07) for fifth on the all-time scoring list.
 
Becky Evans netted her second straight game in double-figure scoring with 14 points while recording five assists. Melanie Taylor scored 11 points for Mansfield and Mary Kate Rumbaugh added 10 points and seven rebounds.
 
Mercy was led by Deasia Goodson's game-high 20 points.
 
Mercy took an early 8-2 lead through the first four minutes of play before the Mountaineers used a 5-2 run to close within three points. Mansfield was held scoreless over the next four-and-a-half minutes as the Mavericks ended the first quarter with a 17-9 advantage.
 
In the second quarter, Mercy built its lead up to 14 points, but the Mountaineer offense started to roll with a 12-2 run to bring the score to 25-21. The half ended with Mercy leading 27-21.
 
Both teams traded baskets to open the second half before the Mountaineers went on a 13-0 run over a four minute span to take their first lead of the game at 37-31. Mansfield did not take the foot off the gas pedal ending the third quarter with a 52-38 lead. The Mounties outscored Mercy 31-11 in the third.
 
A Taylor jumper to open the fourth gave Mansfield its biggest lead of the game at 16 points, but the Mavericks used a 12-2 run to close within six points with 6:35 to play. Mercy was unable to pull any closer as the Mounties preserved the victory.
 
Mansfield's 44.6% (25-56) field goal shooting was the best since shooting 49.2% against Lock Haven on Dec. 1. The Mountaineers held a 40-36 rebounding advantage in the game.
 
With the win, Mansfield improves to 6-15 overall and is the most wins since the 2011-12 season.
 
Mansfield returns to PSAC East play on Saturday at West Chester.