EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. – Junior Paige Whitfield was one rebound shy of a double-double to lead the Mansfield University women's basketball team, but it wasn't enough as PSAC East leading East Stroudsburg University earned a 64-43 victory on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 18.

Whitfield filled up the score sheet for Mansfield, registering 11 points and nine rebounds, one shy from her first double-double this season. Freshmen Jasmine Perez, Jasmine Hilton and Bella Skatell each poured in six points to round out the top scorers. Skatell was 2-of-2 from behind the arch and snatched three steals, notching career-highs in both.
 
The Mounties went 13-of-17 at the foul line. Cover (5-of-5), freshman Hanna Johnson (2-of-2) and Whitfield were a perfect 9-of-9.
 
The Mounties (3-14, 1-10 PSAC) fell victim to a high-pressure East Stroudsburg (12-5, 8-3 PSAC) defense and were limited to five points in the first period and seven in the fourth.

The second quarter was a different story for the Mounties, with Skatell coming off the bench and scoring six points and dishing out two helpers. The Mountaineers scored 13 points in the quarter, courtesy of 40 percent three-point shooting.

The Mountaineers continued to show signs of life in the third, with consecutive baskets from Hilton and Whitfield. A foul off a three-pointer from Chelsea Cover and three successful shots from the line led Mansfield on a 7-3 run early in the quarter. The Mounties trimmed the lead to 50-36 going into the fourth to remain in striking distance. However, the Warriors continued to provide pressure on the defensive end and shot 43 percent from the field compared to the Mounties 32 percent.

ESU forced 22 turnovers leading to 31 points, which the Mounties could not overcome.

Tiffany Lapotsky led ESU with 14 points, six rebounds and three assists. Abby Schoffstall finished with a team-high 17 points, three rebounds and four assists.

Mansfield returns to Decker Gymnasium on Wednesday, Jan. 22 when they host PSAC newcomers Shepherd University at 5:30 p.m.
 
The Mansfield University softball program will be teaming up with the Animal Care Sanctuary to assist with the growing needs of the animal shelter. Anyone who is attending the basketball game and contributes to the shelter will receive complimentary admissions.

Donations needed include food, cleaning products and laundry pods. The softball team invites attendees of the game to also participate in an auction in the lobby throughout the duration of the game along with potentially adopting pets that will be on site.