Boxscore

BROOKVILLE, N.Y. – Behind a career-day from senior running back Gerald Anderson and another fine defensive performance, Mercyhurst College took a 28-20 decision at C.W. Post to even the all-time series. 

Anderson posted career-highs in carries and yards as he rumbled 32 times for 205 yards and two touchdowns to help ignite an offense that amassed 393 total yards. Senior quarterback Garrett Kensy accounted for the Lakers (2-1) other two scores as he rushed for a touchdown and hit Ryan Bartizal from four yards out to give the sophomore tight end his first career touchdown strike. 

Despite collecting almost 500 yards total offense, C.W. Post (1-2) could not overcome a pesky Laker defense that recorded four interceptions. Mercyhurst shut out the Pioneers in the second and third quarters, forcing two interceptions and a fumble during C.W. Post's seven possessions in which the team also missed a field goal, punted twice and turned the ball over on downs. 

Senior defensive back Julius McCormick notched two of those interceptions on the day, making him the second Laker in as many weeks to have two or more picks in a game. Tim Herbener and #L.J. Stevens# provided the other two interceptions, with Stevens recording his first career pick. 

The Pioneers took an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter when senior quarterback Erik Anderwkavich found an open Sean Persch for a 32-yard endzone completion but the Lakers were able to tie the game as time expired in the opening quarter with Kensy's 9-yard scamper. 

Then, Bartizal hit paydirt midway through the second quarter to give the Lakers a 14-7 halftime lead and Anderson added another score 52 seconds into the third to build a comfortable 21-7 advantage before the Pioneers Anderwkavich would add a 2-yard run and cut the lead to a 21-14. 

Anderson's final touchdown and the Lakers final score of the day came with 4:21 left on the clock. The Pioneers added one last touchdown with two minutes remaining in the game. 

Defensively, Kevin Williams led the Lakers with eight tackles, seven solo. Fred Hale and Bryan Kimball each added seven stops, and Dustin Galich and Alex Trouten each posted a sack. Hale and Ian Wild each forced a fumble. 

Next up for Mercyhurst is a Homecoming battle against Lock Haven on Sept. 25. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. in the Lakers' home and divisional opener.