SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. -- The Mercyhurst football team suffered a 37-25 loss to Slippery Rock in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division action on Saturday.

Running back Richie Sanders racked up 292 all-purpose yards on 28 touches for the Lakers (2-4, 1-2). He had 19 carries for 84 yards, three receptions for 42 yards and six kickoff returns for 166 yards.

Quarterback Doug Altavilla completed 19 of 30 passes for 208 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Fullback Pierce Bauer had two of those TD receptions; wide receiver Danavian Clay had the other.

ALso for the Mercyhurst offense, wide receiver Brad Novak had three catches for 73 yards while Clay made three grabs for 36 yards. Running back Drew Robinson added six carries for 39 yards.

On defense, defensive backs Tarique Ellis and Akeel Marsh totaled 11 and nine tackles, respectively. Defensive lineman Benji Abercrombie recorded two sacks.

The host Rock took a 31-9 lead into halftime before the Lakers pushed across 14 points in the third quarter to make the contest a one-score game, but that was as close as Mercyhurst got.

Bauer caught a three-yard touchdown pass from Altavilla and kicker Dylan Kondis converted a 21-yard field goal for the Lakers' nine points in the first half.

During the third quarter, Clay and Bauer caught eight- and 10-yard TD passes, respectively, from Altavilla to cut into SRU's lead.

Slippery Rock quarterback Don King III was 29 of 38 for 310 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Dontez Rush had 21 runs for 102 yards and two scores.

Also for the Rock's offense, Cornelius Raye had nine catches for 126 yards and one TD.

On defense, linebacker Erik Johnson had nine total tackles while defensive back Titus Howard totaled 1 1/2 sacks and an interception for Slippery Rock (5-1, 2-1).

THe Lakers will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 15, with a 12 p.m. PSAC West home game against Edinboro.