ERIE, Pa. – Natalie Piaggesi scored a season-high 31 points and Angela Heintz compiled a double-double during Mercyhurst's 74-46 victory over Clarion in the first round of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Tournament on Monday at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. The victory was the first PSAC Tournament win in Mercyhurst women's basketball history, which occurred during the first home playoff game in program history since March 11, 1995.

Piaggesi finished 12 of 15 from the field and 7 of 7 from the free-throw line while totaling nine rebounds. Heintz added 17 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists for the Lakers (23-6).

Clarion was led by Delrika Jones-Carey, who had 18 points and eight rebounds, and Jen Straw, who added 10 points.

Clarion took an early 6-5 lead, but that was as far as the Golden Eagles got as Mercyhurst answered with a 15-4 stretch. Heintz had six points during that rally, which gave the Lakers the lead for good.

Later, the Lakers went on a 10-0 run that put them up, 34-19, halfway through the second quarter. The Lakers would reach a quarter high lead of 18 points twice. Mercyhurst outscored Clarion, 24-12, during the quarter and took a 44-26 lead into halftime. Piaggesi and Heintz had 14 points apiece in the opening half.

During the second half, Mercyhurst held its lead in double-figures, widening the gap to as much as 30. Piaggesi led the attack with 17 points in the second half.

Mercyhurst held an edge at the backboard, outrebounding Clarion, 42-25. claiming 42 rebounds to the 25 pulled down by the Clarion. The Lakers dominated the paint, outscoring the Eagles there 38-16.

Mercyhurst will play next in the quarterfinal round when it visits Indiana (Pa.) for a 5:30 p.m. contest on Wednesday.