In its 2009-10 season opener, the Misericordia women's basketball team played visiting Lebanon Valley tough but several missed lay-ups down the stretch proved costly in an eventual 66-56 defeat.

Lebanon Valley fell just short of an NCAA tournament bid last year, but the Cougars kept pace thanks to the shooting of freshman Tyann McDaniel (3-of-3 from three-point range) and some big plays from sophomore Jesse Robinson (15 points, six rebounds, five steals). Sophomore Christine Marks was 11-of-11 from the free throw line and finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds, both team highs.

The Dutchmen had grabbed their largest lead of the game, 42-29, early in the second half. But MU fought back, with two Robinson steals leading to fast break points that quickly pulled the Cougars within nine.

The comeback continued as Courtney Sykes drained a pair of clutch three-pointers to cut a 12-point lead in half. Robinson then made two consecutive steals but could only convert one of the fast breaks, making the score 56-52 LVC.

It was the closest MU would get however, as the Cougars had a pair of lay-up chances that could have tied the game but missed both. Lebanon Valley eventually pulled away in the closing minutes to win by ten.

LVC had come out pressing in the first half but the Cougars kept their composure and jumped out to a 7-2 lead. The Dutchmen then went on a 16-4 run but a pair of McDaniel three-pointers ensured that Misericordia stayed close going into the break.

Extra shot attempts proved to be an advantage for Lebanon Valley as the Dutchmen attempted 55 field goals to Misericordia's 43. The Cougars shot an excellent 19-for-22 on free throws but turned the ball over 31 times.

MU is 0-1 on the season and will compete in the Susquehanna Tip-Off Tournament this weekend. The Cougars play Shenandoah on Saturday night and will then face either host Susquehanna or Penn College on Sunday.