HACKENSACK, N.J. (Interstat) — A surging Fairleigh Dickinson looks to continue its dominant season when it hosts a Mercyhurst team riding newfound momentum in a Northeast Conference women’s basketball matchup Saturday at Rothman Center.

The Knights (20-4), one of the conference’s top teams, have won nine straight games, including an 80-49 rout of Stonehill on Thursday. Their last loss came on Jan. 3. Meanwhile, the Lakers (8-14) have won five of their last seven, most recently a 79-59 victory at Saint Francis (PA) on Feb. 5.

This contest is a rematch of a Jan. 2 meeting in Erie, Pennsylvania, where Fairleigh Dickinson delivered a commanding 68-46 win over Mercyhurst. The Knights’ defense held the Lakers to their second-lowest scoring output of the season in that game.

Fairleigh Dickinson’s success has been built on balance and consistency, led by guard Ava Renninger. Over her last eight games, Renninger has averaged 11.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.9 assists, serving as a steadying force. In the Jan. 2 win over Mercyhurst, she posted 10 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Mercyhurst will counter with the hot hand of guard Jenna Van Schaik, who is coming off a career-high 23-point, 6-assist performance against Saint Francis (PA). Over the Lakers’ recent 5-2 stretch, Van Schaik has averaged 16.7 points and 3.9 assists per game, providing critical offensive firepower.

The Knights boast the conference’s top scoring defense, allowing just 54.2 points per game. Containing Van Schaik and forcing other Lakers to score will be a key objective. For Mercyhurst, overcoming the size and defensive pressure of Fairleigh Dickinson, which won the first matchup by 22 points, presents a significant challenge.

Tipoff is set for Saturday afternoon. Following this game, Fairleigh Dickinson will travel to face Central Connecticut on Feb. 14, while Mercyhurst will host Saint Francis (PA) on the same date.