Erie, Pa. – The Mercyhurst volleyball team defeated St. Michael's and Holy Family in straight sets Friday while hosting the Laker Invitational to earn the 500th win in the program's 38-year history. The Lakers beat St. Michael's 25-18, 25-21, 25-17 and Holy Family 25-12, 25-13, 25-23.
Mercyhurst made quick work of its opponents on the opening day of the invitational, improving to 4-3 on the season. The Lakers jumped out to a 16-4 lead in the first set against St. Michael's, substituted freely, and cruised to the win.
Lauren Kubinski had a team-high 14 kills on just 20 attacks and
Julia Butler handed out 33 assists. Mercyhurst had 10 service aces led by freshman
Kelsey Richardson's three. She also added six digs, tying for team high honors in just two sets played.
In the nightcap, Mercyhurst dominated the opening two sets before pulling away late to close out Holy Family in the third set. No player had more than nine kills in that victory and sophomore
Erin English posted that total without an error in 14 swings (.643 attack percentage). Mercyhurst rang up nine service aces, led by
Lauren Kubinski's three, and setter
Julia Butler directed the offense to the tune of 34 assists. She also had a team-high nine digs.
With the victories, the volleyball program became just third at Mercyhurst to reach 500 victories, joining baseball and men's basketball, which got its 500th win during the 2007-08 season.
In other action at the Laker Invitational, Slippery Rock went 2-0 as well, while Saint Michael's, West Liberty State, and Holy Family all split their two matches. Bowie State and Ohio Valley were winless on the day.
Mercyhurst will head back to the court Saturday for two more matches, playing Bowie State at 9 a.m. and West Liberty State at 4 p.m.
