SHARON, Pa. – What a difference a game makes for Mercyhurst Prep.
After getting off to a slow start against OLSH in their first round win on Friday, the Lakers had no such problems on Tuesday in a 52-31 Class 3A second round win over Neshannock.
“We had a lot of energy,” said Mercyhurst Prep senior Olivia Kulyk. “I think we left our last game knowing we needed to pick it up. I think we did a good job of that.”
The Lakers’ (23-3) defense was stifling, especially early on, limiting Neshannock to just six points in the first quarter, building a 15-6 advantage.
On top of that, all five Laker starters – Mia Mangini, Mari Nixon, Seana Thrower, Kulyk and Milly Pierce all scored in the first quarter, including 3-pointers from Kulyk and Pierce.
“Our on-ball pressure was great,” Kulyk said. “Credit to our guards. They kept them outside the middle and left the inside with zero pressure and a lot of turnovers came from that.”
See Kulyk’s full interview:
A 15-6 advantage quickly turned into a 20-point margin, 26-6 after an 11-0 run to start the second quarter for Mercyhurst Prep.
Thrower was 4-of-4 from the line, Mangini had five points during the run, including a 3-pointer and Kulyk capped the run with a layup.
The Lakers led by 19 at halftime, 34-15, and were never seriously challenged in the second half.
“We’re still playing in March,” said Mercyhurst Prep coach Dan Perfetto. “It doesn’t matter who we have or where we play. It’s a good thing.”
Kulyk scored eight points in the second quarter and finished with a game-high 22 points, which also included three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter.
Mangini was also in double figures for Mercyhurst Prep with 11 points.
Lily Rowe had nine points and Kaitlyn Fries eight to lead Neshannock (19-9).
With the win, Mercyhurst Prep advances to play Avonworth, a 59-44 winner over Forest Hills. That game will be on Friday, March 15 at a site and time to be determined.
