ERIE — The Warren girls basketball team was on the road Tuesday and fell to Mercyhurst Prep 64-53.

A slow start was the Dragons’ demise as they found themselves down 20-7 after the first quarter and 36-20 at the half.

Warren got it together in the second half with strong performances by the senior duo of Emma Roell and Peyton Wotorson. The Dragons scored 33 second-half points compared to the Lakers’ 29, but simply ran out of time to mount the comeback.

Dragon head coach Jenny Phillips still had a positive outlook on the game.

“We got better tonight. The girls played well despite the loss. We are getting more looks at the basket and making better decisions. We need to improve at the foul line as nine missed free throws is the difference and makes the score that much closer. My seniors were great leaders tonight and brought the energy when we needed it. The younger players are coming along and starting to find their place. I like where we are heading.”

Roell paced Warren with 15 points. Wotorson had 14, Molly Richards 9, Joanna Bennett 7, Lily Richards 3, Peyton Hagg 3 and JoJo Gray 2.

Mari Nixon had a huge night for the Lakers with 22 points, followed by 12 from Nora Taylor.

The Lady Dragons have a short break before they play in the Cranberry Holiday Tournament next Monday and Tuesday.