MACON, Ga. – The Florida A&M Lady Rattlers (4-9, 1-0 MEAC) lost its second game in a row to the Mercer Bears (7-8, 0-0 SoCon) 61-47 at Hawkins Arena on the campus of Mercer University today.  The game was the final of a nine game road sweep.

The Lady Rattlers struggled from the field in the first half, but fought back defensively in the second half to make the game a contest.  Head coach LeDawn Gibson was pleased with the effort in the second half, but has concerns about the team’s slow starts.

The Lady Rattlers were again led by guard Olivia Antilla, who shot 7-of-14 from the field (.500), including 2-of-4 from the three-point arc.  Khadejra Young would be the only other Lady Rattler in double figures as she chipped in 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting from the field.  Antilla and Jaleesa Blue led the team with seven rebounds each, both game highs.

MU was lead by Briana Williams who scored 18 points to lead the Bears.  Precious Bridges added 16, while Alicia Williams added 10 points.  Kahlia Lawrence and Teanna Robinson grabbed six rebounds each, while Bridges pulled down five.

The Bears shot 43 percent from the field, while FAMU shot just 38 percent.  MU also won the battle of turnover points, scoring 13 to FAMU’s seven.  The transcending stat of the game was the Lady Rattlers’ shooting percentage.  FAMU shot 21 percent from the field in the first half, but turned it around to shoot 60 percent from the field in the second half.

The Florida A&M Lady Rattlers will take on the Norfolk State Spartans, Sat., Jan. 10 at 4 p.m. for their 2015 home opener, which also signals the opening of conference play for the year.