ERIE, Pa. - The Mercyhurst University volleyball team opened conference play on Friday morning with a 3-0 loss to Shippensburg University but then rebounded with a thrilling, come-from-behind 3-2 win over Millersville University on Friday night to earn a split at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. The Lakers moved to 6-7 overall and 1-1 in conference action.

In the opener, Shippensburg improved to 10-2 overall with a 25-23, 25-20, 25-17 victory over the Lakers. Senior Erin Byrnes led the way with eight kills, six digs, and a solo block. Juniors Sarah Wegrzyn and Lauren Kenny had seven kills apiece while senior Lexi Stefanov added five kills in the setback.

Mercyhurst actually scored more points (42-38) than Shippensburg but committed 27 hitting errors in 97 attempts (.052 hitting percentage) and added 11 service errors in the loss.

The Lakers appeared destined for a similar fate in the nightcap, falling behind Millersville two games to none before rattling off wins in the final three games to earn the comeback win. The Marauders won by the scores of 25-16 and 25-20 in the opening two games before Mercyhurst won by the scores of 25-18, 25-17, and 15-8 in the final three to stun the visitors.

Byrnes had a huge match for Mercyhurst after leading the way with 16 kills and 15 digs. Stefanov had her best match of the season, adding a season-high 13 kills, two digs, two block assists, and a solo block for a total of 15 points. A trio of juniors - Wegrzyn, Kenny, and Haley Adams added nine kills apiece in the victory.

Senior setter Kelly Vitt had 46 assists and 16 digs while junior libero Samantha Giardina added a match-high 27 digs.

Mercyhurst will be back in action on Saturday, September 26, when it hosts Pitt-Johnstown at 10:05 a.m. and Lock Haven at 6:05 p.m. during day two of the PSAC East-West Crossover tournament.