WARRIORS DEFEATED AT SIENA HEIGHTS

ADRIAN, Mich. - Following a tough first quarter, the Warriors (13-12, 10-9) couldn't overcome an early deficit to Siena Heights (22-3, 17-2) on Wednesday night. Rochester saw another big-time performance from senior guard Celeste Mershimer, who got it done on both ends of the floor. 

Mershimer scored 30 points, grabbed six rebounds, dished out four assists, and had three steals, leading the Warriors in multiple categories. Imari Martin scored 14 points, while Melanie Moore put up 13 of her own and grabbed seven rebounds. 

THE RUNDOWN

FIRST HALF

• The Warriors had a tough outing to start the game, shooting 3-15 from the field in the opening period. A silver lining for the Warriors was the defense, holding the Saints to inefficient shooting numbers. Unfortunately for the Warriors, however, Siena Heights capitalized on all eight of its free-throw opportunities
• Both teams continued to struggle from the field in the second quarter, but Mershimer got things going, scoring seven points in the period, including a deep three to keep Rochester at pace with the home team during the period. Martin and Jacey Somers also knocked down threes to help the Warriors outscore the Saints 13-11

SECOND HALF

• Mershimer dominated the third quarter, scoring 16 points on 6-7 shooting while swiping two steals. The Saints staved off Mershimer's hot shooting with a balanced scoring attack, with all five starters scoring at least two baskets to keep the Saints firmly in the lead
• Mershimer scored another seven points in the final period but also dished out four assists, including assists to Dakotah Krohn, who came off the bench to provide the Warriors with seven points and three rebounds. Both teams had explosive quarters, but the Warriors needed not to allow the game to be a point-trading affair. Siena Heights got some big plays from its starters to stay ahead and secure the win

STAT OF THE GAME

Mershimer's 30-point game was her third of the season, with her shooting 12-23 in the game. 

UP NEXT

The Warriors return home for a matchup with the Northwestern Ohio Racers on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 1 p.m.

Hussein Murray - RU Athletic Communications

Featured Image: Noah Peterson - RU Athletics