WARRIORS FALL SHORT TO RACERS; MERSHIMER TIES SINGLE-GAME POINTS RECORD

LIMA, Ohio - A historic 37 points from guard Celeste Mershimer was the night's highlight for Rochester (8-9, 5-6) in a tough 88-78 loss to the UNOH Racers (6-11, 2-9) on Wednesday night. In an explosive scoring contest for both teams, the Racers came out on top in the final minutes.

Mershimer's 37 led Rochester, and the senior pulled down eight rebounds. Alongside her was junior Imari Martin, who contributed 17 points and nine rebounds. For UNOH, guard Alysia Lawson recorded 35 points, while teammate Alycia Peterson recorded a 22-12-7 stat line.

THE RUNDOWN

FIRST HALF

• The first quarter was a balanced scoring affair from Rochester, who saw six players contribute points during the period. Guard Dakotah Krohn would hit a three on the first possession to get the Warriors going, and Rochester found success driving the lane and scoring in the paint
• The Racers outscored Rochester 24-13 in the second quarter, which proved to be a pivotal moment in the game. Martin and guard Riley Place hit big threes to keep the game from getting out of reach

SECOND HALF

• Mershimer began what was a dominant second half early, scoring her first two of 14 third-quarter points on a tough drive inside. The senior continued to play physical, scoring Rochester's first ten points of the half all on layups, including an emphatic and-one. UNOH continued to take punches but kept scoring to stay ahead
• The fourth quarter saw Mershimer score 15 points to continue her incredible night, continuing to drive while shooting efficiently from the line. Martin joined in with six points of her own, including a critical three to cut the lead to seven. However, it seemed like the Racers had an answer on the other end each time, maintaining the lead with timely baskets. The Racers would pull away with the win

POSTGAME PRESSER

Head Coach Jared Ocampo had this to say about Mershimer's performance:

"It was a tough loss tonight, no doubt. Everyone has to be bought in. C is our only Senior on the roster, and for her to show out the way she did has got to be a tone-setter for us for the remainder of the season.

We have a lot of youth on the roster, and for C to provide all-around leadership for this program is a blessing. We have to find understanding in coming in every day, buying into her wisdom and leadership, and giving back to C what she is pouring into the program."

STAT OF THE GAME

Mershimer's 37 points tie the Warriors' single-game record for most points. The feat has been done twice before: Devan Valko (2019) and Maddy Valko (2017).

UP NEXT

Rochester returns home to face the Concordia Cardinals (11-5, 10-2) on Saturday, Jan. 20 in Garth Pleasant Arena at 1 p.m.

Hussein Murray - RU Athletic Communications

Featured Image: Noah Peterson - RU Athletics