ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst University women's basketball team rallied behind junior forward Natalie Piaggesi's 30 point performance, to defeat crosstown rival Gannon at the Hammermill Center, 62-54. The Lakers will now face-off against Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) foe Edinboro on the road in the PSAC Tournament Saturday.

The win over the Lady Knights was the first since February 16, 2011, when Mercyhurst took down Gannon, 66-56. Wednesday's road win also marked the first win at the Hammermill Center since January 26, 2011, when the Lakers went on to defeat Gannon, 75-63.

Mercyhurst failed to hold a lead at any point during the first period, but would gain a one-point advantage in the second, two-and-a-half minutes in. It was a jumper in the paint by Piaggesi who put the Lakers ahead, 15-14.

From there, it was a back-and-forth style of play that saw seven ties and five lead changes. The Lakers went into the half tied at 22.

In the third, the Lakers began to pull away.

With Gannon leading by one, 30-29, with 7:24 to play, Mercyhurst went on an 8-2 run to close out the period, giving them a five point lead, 37-32.

The Lakers broke the game open in the fourth, leading by as many as 12 late in the game.

Piaggesi finished 13-of-14 from the field, and her 13 field goals is a career-high. She also pulled down five rebounds.

Senior Adrienne Kloecker was the only other Laker to finish in double figures with 13 points.

Mercyhurst finished shooting 43.4 percent (23-of-53) from the floor.

With the win, Mercyhurst improves to 14-14 overall and 12-10 in league play, while Gannon falls to 16-10, 14-8 PSAC.

The Lakers will travel to McComb Fieldhouse Saturday, February 27, for a PSAC Tournament First Round game. Game time is still to be determined.