The Misericordia University women's basketball team dropped a hard-fought 62-52 decision at 20th-ranked Lebanon Valley in their season opener, Monday.

Christine Marks led four MU players in double figures with 16 points and 16 rebounds and Jesse Robinson added 15 points and seven rebounds.

Tyann McDaniel had 11 points and Hannah Seely had 10 points and eight rebounds in her collegiate debut.

Trailing 27-19 at halftime, the Cougars rallied to take a 43-42 lead on a Robinson layup with 8:57 to play.

But Leb Val responded with a 14-0 run to take a 56-43 lead with 3:02 to go.

The Dutchmen opened the second half with a pair free throws for a 29-19 lead, Robinson answered with a pair of free throws and McDaniel drained a three-pointer to within five at 29-24.

After a Leb Val three-pointer, a Robinson layup and another three by McDaniel pulled MU within 32-29.

Trailing 37-31, consecutive baskets from Marks, Robinson and Seely tied it at 37-37 with 12:15 remaining.

Robinson gave MU a 43-42 lead with 8:57 to go, but the Cougars turned the ball over five times in the next six minutes as Leb Val went ahead 56-43.

The Cougars will play at the Swarthmore Tournament, Saturday and Sunday.