Preview: Stonehill Skyhawks at Mercyhurst Lakers

ERIE, Pa. (Interstat) — A pivotal late-season Northeast Conference matchup awaits Monday night as the Mercyhurst Lakers host the Stonehill Skyhawks in women’s Division I basketball.

Both teams enter the final stretch of the regular season with momentum, but seeking consistency. Mercyhurst (14-15 overall) has won five of its last six games, while Stonehill (12-17) looks to build on a victory in its last outing after a three-game skid.

The Lakers won the most recent meeting between the teams just over a week ago, a 68-55 home victory on Feb. 28. They also edged Stonehill 63-58 on the road in January, giving them a chance to secure a season sweep.

A key matchup will feature two of the conference’s top guards. Stonehill’s Brooke Paquette is coming off a career-high 29-point performance in a 69-61 win over Chicago State on Thursday, logging 40 minutes. Over her last six games, she is averaging 17.5 points and has played 40 minutes in four of those contests.

She will be countered by Mercyhurst’s Jenna Van Schaik, who has been instrumental in her team’s recent surge. Van Schaik scored 18 points in the Feb. 28 win over Stonehill and is averaging 17.3 points over her last six games. She posted a 29-point effort against Wagner on Feb. 19 and a 21-point, 5-rebound, 5-assist stat line against Central Connecticut.

For Stonehill to reverse its recent fortunes against the Lakers, containing Van Schaik will be paramount. The Skyhawks will also need continued production from players like Amaya Dowdy, who added 14 points off the bench in the win over Chicago State.

Mercyhurst’s offense has found a rhythm, scoring 72 points or more in three of its last five games. Alongside Van Schaik, Cici Hernandez (19 points vs. Le Moyne) and Erica Hall provide scoring depth.

The game carries weight for conference tournament seeding. Mercyhurst can solidify its position with a win, while Stonehill aims to play spoiler and gain a measure of revenge from its loss nine days prior. Tip-off is set for Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.