Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 BIG RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Mercyhurst volleyball team lost its first two matches of the season, dropping a 3-1 decision to Wayne State and then a 3-0 contest against 17th-ranked Winona State, on Friday at the Ferris State Invitational.

The Lakers will return to action on Saturday with matches against Lake Superior State and Upper Iowa.

Wayne State 3, Mercyhurst 1 (25-14, 25-21, 23-25, 25-19)
Katie Baird had 10 kills while Alyssa Zirnheld had a solid all-around match with seven kills, 19 assists and 10 digs.

Also for the Lakers, Alyssa Kling recorded seven kills and four total blocks. Mary Marusza made 19 assists, Hannah Vuylsteke added 15 digs and Madison Kasper totaled five blocks.

Mercyhurst fell behind through the first two sets before scratching out a win in the third. The Lakers took the lead in that set with a 7-1 stretch and held off a late charge from Wayne State.

WSU then finished off the match with a point in the fourth.

Olivia Fike had 15 kills and Kamryn Duffield made 46 assist for Wayne State.


#17 Winona State 3, Mercyhurst 0 (25-15, 25-9, 25-8)
Alyssa Zirnheld had five kills to lead the Laker offense. Claire Kenny made seven assists and Zoe Gadomski recorded nine digs.

Megan Flom had 12 kills for Winona State and Bre Maloney finished with 23 assists.