MANSFIELD – Brielle Kelly scored a game-high 19 points for Mansfield, but a late comeback fell short against visiting Lock Haven Wednesday night in a 54-46 loss at First Citizens Community Bank Court at Decker Gymnasium.
 
Lock Haven (7-9, 4-8 PSAC) jumped out to an early 9-2 lead over the opening four minutes of the game and maintained a two-possession lead until a pair of Melanie Taylor free throws brought the Mounties within three points at 17-14. Mansfield's defense stiffened over the final two minutes of the game to stay within three points heading into the second quarter.
 
Lock Haven opened the second on a 7-0 run to jump out to a 10-point lead, but the Mountaineers countered with a 6-0 run of their own to close the deficit down to 24-20. The Lady Eagles took a 29-21 advantage into the break.
 
In the second half, Lock Haven built up to a 10-point lead once again, but another 6-0 run by Mansfield featuring a pair of Kelly lay-ups and two good Bella Ricci free throws pulled the Mounties within four. However, The Eagles closed out the third on a 7-0 run to hold their biggest lead at that point in the game at 42-31.
 
The Mountaineers outscored Lock Haven 15-12 in the fourth quarter, but the deficit was too great to overcome.
 
Kelly hit seven field goals and five free throws to net her season-high 19 points. Melanie Taylor hit double-figure scoring for the third time this season, connecting of a pair of triples and four free throws to score 10 points. Bella Ricci added eight points and six assists in her second start of the season.
 
Division II rebounding leader Lysa Mealing pulled down 13 boards to go along with her team-high 17 points for Lock Haven.
 
Neither team could get much to fall as Lock Haven shot 29.5% (18-61) while Mansfield shot 26.9% (14-52). The Mountaineers took care of business from the free throw line, missing just one attempt to go 93.8% (15-16).
 
Mansfield's 14 turnovers were a season low.
 
The Mountaineers conclude a three-game home stand on Saturday when they host Gannon in a PSAC crossover contest at Decker Gymnasium.