The Mercyhurst College women’s basketball team has had a bit of a rough start to their 2009-10 season. The women’s current overall record is 2-3.

The team fell early to West Virginia Wesleyan 66-56, Ashland University 75-63, and Northwood University, 64-45.

Amid these three loses, however, the women dominated Salem International University, doubling the Tigers’ score in an 80-40 win. At the half the Lakers took a great lead with a score of 49-15.

Senior Jackie Artise led the Lakers’ offense with a career-high of 24 points and an outstanding eight three-pointers in the game.

The Mercyhurst women shot 56 percent on the court, including 46 percent from the 3-point line.

In addition to the victory against SIU, the Lakers also emerged victorious against Mansfield University, 69-63.

Despite their early struggle, the women are keeping their heads high. Head coach Deena Richard says the outlook she has for the team is “positive.”

With only five games under their belt, there is much time to improve – the women do not play Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference opponents until mid-January.

Richard says the women will be working hard to improve their game and get ready for a competitive schedule this season.

While it may be a rocky start for women’s basketball, it’s only the beginning.

With 22 regular season games left to play, the team’s season is far from over.

The Lakers will host Wheeling Jesuit University (4-1) Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 5:30 p.m. The women are 1-1 on their home court and hoping to even out their overall record at 2-2.