BIG RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Mercyhurst volleyball team dropped two contests at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference/Mountain East Conference Crossover on Friday. The Lakers fell to Shepherd, 3-0, and West Virginia State, 3-1.

The Lakers (1-5) will return to competition on Saturday with matches against Charleston (W. Va.) and Urbana.

Shepherd 3, Mercyhurst 0 (25-23, 25-18, 25-18)
Tess Ganich and Katie Baird had nine and seven kills, respectively, for the Lakers. Claire Kenny added 18 assists and 10 digs.

Defensively, Mercyhurst was led by Zoe Gadomski, who finished with 18 digs. Mary Marusza added 12 digs and Leah Kern recorded three total blocks.

The Lakers nearly claimed the first set, leading 23-22 before Shepherd closed with three straight points. The second and third sets included 13-13 ties before the Rams pulled away in each stanza.

Georgie Ohmke, Peyton Lindblad and Cambriea Hill had 10 kills each for Shepherd. Jessica Karsz made 29 assist.s

West Virginia State 3, Mercyhurst 1 (25-20, 25-19, 22-25, 25-17)
Katie Baird had a strong all-around effort, compiling 14 kills, 11 digs and eight total blocks for the Lakers. Alyssa Zirnheld added 12 kills and 12 digs.

Claire Kenny and Mary Marusza dished 19 and 15 assists, respectively. Zoe Gadomski totaled 18 digs and Leah Kern had five total blocks.

In each of the first to sets, WVSU pulled away from 16-16 ties with late runs. In the third, Mercyhurst opened with a 10-4 lead and never trailed as it forced a fourth set. In the fourth, West Virginia State opened with the first three points and led the rest of the way.

Gabriella Bullock had 14 kills, Devon Putnam made 13 kills and Tabi Pontious recorded 33 assist for WVSU.