Clarion, Pa. – The Mercyhurst women's volleyball team has fought through injuries for a large portion of the 2008 season but the Lakers were unable to overcome the loss of starting setter Julia Butler Saturday. Clarion defeated Mercyhurst in a critical PSAC West showdown 25-17, 26-24, 25-20 to move closer to the Lakers for third place.

 

Mercyhurst is now 19-12 overall and 5-5 in the PSAC West, while Clarion improves to 16-13 overall and 5-6 in the division. As well, Slippery Rock has closed the gap in an attempt to advance to the PSAC playoffs, in which the top four teams from each division compete, and are 4-6 in conference play.

 

Lauren Kubinski led Mercyhurst with 12 kills in the loss and Jenna Matson added seven. Justine Smith had six kills and Katie Fritz had six digs. Chelsea Hennigan had 22 assists.

 

Mercyhurst will host Edinboro Tuesday night at 7 p.m. in a PSAC West match.