Wheeling, W.Va. – The Mercyhurst women's volleyball team won its eighth straight match, narrowly defeating Charleston Friday night at the WVIAC/PSAC Crossover Tournament 29-31, 25-15, 25-20, 20-25, 15-13.

 

The opening set was a precursor of things to come as each team had multiple opportunities to serve for the set, but Charleston eventually came up with the winner. Mercyhurst bounced back in the next two sets but Charleston forced a fifth by winning 25-20 in set four. The Lakers trailed 3-0 early in the fifth but took over and picked up the victory.

 

Jenna Matson had 18 kills and Katie Fritz added 16. Libero Kendall Ashworth helped negate Charleston's offense all evening with 27 digs, while Julia Butler dished out 53 assists and added 16 digs. Justine Smith had a team-high five blocks and Lauren Kubinski added four.

 

Mercyhurst improves to 17-8 with the win and will play Alderson-Broaddus and Wheeling Jesuit Saturday. The Lakers were ranked No. 3 in the Atlantic Region heading into the weekend.