BIG RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Mercyhurst College volleyball team split a pair of matches in its season-opening tournament at Ferris State, falling to Hillsdale 3-0 before rebounding to take a five-set match against Michigan Tech.

The Lakers dropped the opening match to nationally-ranked Hillsdale 25-17, 25-21, 25-15 and were led by Becky Leusch (7 kills), Chelsea Jensen (5 kills), Becky Smith (3 aces), Chelsea Jensen (2 aces) and Justine Smith and B. Smith with three blocks each.

Against Michigan Tech (25-18, 21-25, 18-25, 26-24, 15-10), Amanda Balasko led the Lakers with 12 kills while Jensen chipped in nine and B. Smith added seven kills.  J. Smith provided solid defense again for Mercyhurst from the middle, collecting five more blocks on the day.  Elyse Texido contributed greatly to the Lakers' offense with five serving aces.

Mercyhurst returns to action tomorrow in the final day of the tournament when they take on Glenville State and host Ferris State.  Game-times are set for 12 noon and 3 p.m., respectively.