INDIANA, Pa. -- Erin Byrnes led Mercyhurst with 11 kills, 10 digs and four aces to push the Lakers past IUP, 3-1. 

The Lakers came out hot, taking the first two sets by scores of 25-20 and 25-10 before the Crimson Hawks battled to take the third set 25-19.  It was a short-lived rally for IUP as the Lakers took set four 25-21 and the match -- remaining alive in the quest for the remaining PSAC Western Division playoff spots.

Sarah Wegrzyn tallied eight kills while Lexi Stefanov and Lauren Kenny added six kills for the Laker offense.  Setter Kelly Vitt contributed 31 assists.  Vitt also led the defense with 12 digs and libero Samantha Giardina recorded 11 digs.

A Mercyhurst win tomorrow in the regular-season finale against Clarion, coupled with a California (Pa.) loss, gives the Lakers a conference playoff appearance and keeps Mercyhurst alive in consideration by the NCAA for a regional postseason appearance.