ERIE, Pa.- The Mercyhurst volleyball team lost to Gannon in four sets Friday night at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. The Golden Knights won by scores of 25-20, 23-25, 25-17, and 25-13 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division match.
 
It was a tense contest throughout, as both sides played with enthusiasm in a competitive first set. Gannon hit .324 as a team in the opening frame, as Hurst was unable to complete a comeback. The second game was even more dynamic, with the teams trading points until the Lakers won the decisive point after a rally that featured 13 combined attacks from the rivals.
 
In the third set, the Knights asserted control, attacking at a .318 rate and holding the home team to a -.032 number on their way to an eight-point victory. The visitors cruised in the fourth frame, hitting over .300 again and garnering 15 kills.
 
For the match, Gannon hit .233, while Hurst hit .081 in defeat. Gretta Freyermuth led with 10 kills, while Becky Smith and Sarah Vick each added eight. Kiera Rebert dished out 20 assists and Chelsea Hennigan totaled 17 of her own. Elyse Texido recorded 19 digs.
 
The Knights kept possession of the Diocese Trophy, awarded to the winner of the annual Gannon-Mercyhurst match. Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott performed the honorary first serve before the contest.
 
Hurst travels to Wheeling Jesuit for a non-conference match tomorrow. The contest is slated for a 3 p.m. start. For a box score of the Gannon-Mercyhurst match, click here.