Despite suffering an 85-77 loss at Eastern, the Misericordia University women's basketball team clinched the number two seed in the MAC Freedom and a first round home game in the postseason.
 
Tessa Zamolyi led the Cougars with 26 points, including the 1,000^th of her career, and grabbed 13 rebounds.
 
Gianna Delfino had 11 points and five assists and Nora Tracey added nine points and nine rebounds.
 
Zamolyi broke a 13-13 tie with a layup with 2:22 left in the first quarter and Nora Tracey added a free throw go give the Cougars a 16-14 lead after one period.
 
The Eagles used a big second quarter to take 39-28 lead at halftime.
 
Trailing 45-38 early in the third quarter, Delfino hit back-to-back three-pointers to get the Cougars within 45-44.
 
Zamolyi converted a three-point play to give the Cougars a 47-45 lead with 5:33 left in the third quarter.
 
Alyssa Bondi, Erica Haefele and Zamolyi combined for five free throws to put MU up, 53-47, late in the third period.
 
Delfino added a layup and Haefele made another free throw and the Cougars led 56-55 after three quarters.
 
Eastern broke a 62-62 tie with 7:07 to play and never trailed again.
 
The Cougars will host King's in the MAC Freedom semifinals, Wednesday at 7:00.