Photo Credit: Michigan Tech

ERIE, Pa. — Behind 24 points from Katie Wysocky and a career-high 18 points from freshman Lisa Staehlin, Michigan Tech triumphed over defending Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champion Gannon, 76-65, today at the Hammermill Center. The Huskies (4-2 overall, 2-0 GLIAC) shot 53 percent from the field and 86 percent at the foul line to win their fourth straight.

Michigan Tech put together its strongest half of the season to open the game. The Huskies grabbed the lead at the 16:57 mark and never relinquished it. Gannon was within 31-29 at the 4:34 mark before the visitors went on a 12-0 run spurred by a pair of 3-pointers from Katie Zimmerman. The Knights’ layup at the horn ended the drought and sent them into the locker room trailing, 43-31.

Except for a one-minute span early on, Michigan Tech led by double digits the entire second half. The margin was as many as 17 points several times — the last at 3:45 when Zimmerman drained her fourth triple of the game. Gannon tried to speed the game up and get back into it but was held to just two field goals in the final five minutes.

Wysocky finished with 24 points including 16 in the first half. She completed her third double-double of the season with 12 rebounds. Staehlin totaled 18 points, five rebounds and two assists.

Catherine Rottier played a solid game against the full-court pressing Knights’ defense. The senior tallied 13 points and a career-high 10 assists with just five turnovers. Zimmerman also reached double figures with 12 points — all on 3-pointers.

Tech was 10-of-20 from the 3-point arc (50 percent) as part of its very strong 53 percent field goal shooting. GU was held to 33 percent from the floor. The Knights’ leading scorer entering the game, Ashley Lowdermilk, scored just two points on 1-of-13 shooting.

“This was a great way to finish off the road trip,” said head coach John Barnes. “We did a nice job of scoring in the post today and Lisa had a breakout game. I’m excited to be heading home with two wins to open the conference season.”

After six straight road games to open 2007-08, Michigan Tech will finally open its home schedule Wednesday (Dec. 5) with a matchup against Minnesota Duluth. Tipoff is slated for 5:30 p.m. (Note: Wednesday’s game vs. UMD is a single game with no men’s game to follow.)