The Misericordia University women's basketball team fell at DeSales, 77-45, Wednesday night.

Leanne Forsyth had nine points and four assists and Justine Seely added nine points and a game-high 12 rebounds for the Cougars.

The teams traded baskets early and Liz Waleski's jumper tied the score 8-8 midway through the first quarter.

DeSales scored six straight points before Japriya Carroll's layup pulled the Cougars within four, 14-10.

Down 18-10, Alexa Plitt hit a three-pointer with 2:31 left in the opening period, but the Bulldogs scored the last five points of the quarter to take a 23-13 lead.

DeSales scored the first four points of the second quarter to cap a 9-0 run and eventually built a 34-14 lead midway through the period.

Forsyth converted a three-point play and Seely scored six points early in the third quarter as the Cougars opened the second half on a 9-0 to cut the deficit to 46-35.

DeSales responded with a 13-1 spurt over the next four minutes to take a 59-36 lead with 1:14 to go in the third quarter and limited the Cougars to five points in the fourth quarter.

MU will host Wilkes, Saturday at 1:00.