The Misericordia women's basketball team improved to 19-2 with a win hard-fought win over MAC Freedom opponent Stevens, 71-64, Saturday afternoon in the Anderson Center.
 
Alyssa Bondi exploded for a career-high 23 points to go along with eight rebounds and two steals while Tessa Zamolyi added a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds.
 
Jordan Barth tallied nine points and 11 rebounds while Morgan Haefele added seven points and six assists. Melina Santacroce contributed seven points and six rebounds coming off the bench.
 
The Cougars only lead in the first half came in the first two minutes after Barth hit a jumper in the lane off a pass from M. Haefele.
 
MU ended the first half on a 7-0 run to get within 38-31 at halftime with M. Haefele finding Zamolyi on the left wing to key spurt.
 
Bondi collected a rebound and hustled down the court before hitting a three from the corner with less than a minute remaining.
 
Misericordia came out hot in the second half with a 14-3 run to take the lead, 45-41.
 
M. Haefele hit a three the right corner following a Zamolyi rebound and, Erica Haefele drove hard down the lane and scored with multiple defenders closing in. 
 
The Ducks regained the lead with 2:30 remaining, but Zamolyi answered with a hook shot to put MU back in front.
 
Misericordia went 5-6 from the charity stripe in the closing minutes to seal the win.
 
Misericordia will travel to Wilkes, Wednesday night at 8 p.m.