Big Rapids, Mich. – The Mercyhurst volleyball team opened the 2008 season in impressive fashion, splitting two matches at the Ferris State Tournament. The Lakers defeated Urbana 18-25, 25-16, 25-11, 25-22 before pushing No. 18 Hillsdale to the brink of elimination, eventually losing 25-17, 21-25, 19-25, 25-14, 15-4.

 

Mercyhurst struggled in the opening set of its first match of the season, losing to Urbana 25-18. But the Lakers bounced back and rolled to victories in each of the next three sets. Sophomore Katie Fritz led the team with 11 kills and sophomore libero Kendall Ashworth had a team-high 11 digs. Senior Lauren Kubinski added six service aces.

 

Against No. 18 Hillsdale, Mercyhurst won two of the first three games before running out of steam. Senior Jenna Matson had 11 kills and 16 digs, while Kabinski added eight blocks. Ashworth had 16 digs to lead the team in that category again. Mercyhurst and Hillsdale were both in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference before this year. The Lakers had won just one set against the Chargers in the last eight matches between the two programs before almost pulling off the upset Friday.

 

Mercyhurst is now 1-1 and will continue play in the Ferris State Invitational Saturday. The Lakers will play Minnesota Duluth at 9:30 a.m. and Saginaw Valley State at 12:00 p.m.