Erie, Pa. – Mercyhurst recorded nine team blocks, seven from Justine Smith, and the Lakers improved to 6-1 at home on the season with a 25-23, 25-13, 25-20 win over PSAC West opponent Clarion Tuesday night at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. Seniors Jenna Matson and Lauren Kubinski combined for 29 kills as the Lakers asserted themselves late in set one and never looked back.

 

Clarion actually controlled most of the first set and opened up a 23-18 lead on a Kellie Bartman kill. Matson, who finished with a match-high 15 kills, answered with a spike of her own and then took over service duties. The Lakers scored the next six points behind her serves, getting a pair of blocks from Smith, two kills from Kubinski, an attack error by Bartman and one ace to win the set.

 

From there, the Lakers dominated the second set, scoring nine of 10 points during one stretch to pick up a 25-13 victory and close to within one set of the match victory. In the final set, Clarion jumped out to a 6-1 lead but the Lakers quickly scored five straight points to tie it back up, took the lead for good at 12-11 on an Erin English kill, and pulled away late for the 25-20 win.

 

Mercyhurst dished out seven aces on the night and held Clarion to an .090 attack percentage. Kendall Ashworth led the team with 20 digs, while Kubinski had 14 kills. Julia Butler dished out 33 assists as the Lakers had eight more kills than the Golden Eagles.

 

Clarion falls to 10-7 on the year and 2-2 in PSAC West play. Mercyhurst improved to 8-6 and 3-2 in the PSAC West. The Lakers will next play three matches in the California (Pa.) Tournament Friday and Saturday.