Box Score

The Mercyhurst University Volleyball team welcomed IUP to Owen McCormick Court at the newly renovated Mercyhurst Athletic Center on Saturday afternoon. IUP defeated Mercyhurst three sets to two.

In set number one, the teams were even through the first portion of the set. Then, Hannah Vuylsteke rattled off two straight aces in between kills by Hailey Wilson and Chase Cole to give Mercyhurst a 11-7 lead. IUP battled back, eventually tying the set at 21-21. After a point from IUP, Wison and Madison Kasper sent home kills for the Lakers. After an IUP attacking error, Beth Brady won the set for Mercyhurst as she delivered a kill.

In the second set, IUP jumped out to a 10-4 lead, courtesy of good serving. Mercyhurst then went on, to rally off six straight points, four of those coming in the form of Chase Cole kills. After scoring runs by both teams, the Lakers saw themselves down 20-17. Zoe Gadomski stepped to the service line for Mercyhurst and the team scored four consecutive points to take a 21-20 lead. IUP tied the set at 24 all, however a pair of Crimson Hawk attacking errors gave the Lakers the set, allowing them to go up 2 sets to none.

IUP opened up the third with a 5-2 lead however, just like the first two sets, the Lakers rallied back with Gadomski at the serving line again. Mercyhurst scored six consecutive points highlighted by kills from Brady, Wilson, and Addy Benjamin. The Lakers held a 15-10 lead after an IUP attacking error, but the Crimson Hawks continued to battle. IUP ended up taking the third 25-23.

The fourth set was controlled by the Crimson Hawks as they tied up the match in dominant fashion 25-14. 

In the winner take all fifth set, Mercyhurst jumped out to a 6-4 lead. Unfortunately for the Lakers, IUP rattled off seven straight points to go up 11-6. Mercyhurst battled back to make it 12-9, however IUP was able to close the set and match out. They won set number five 15-11.

Cole led Mercyhurst in kills with 13, she also had a team high five blocks. Vuylsteke led the team in aces (3) and digs (35) while Alexa Mitchell paced the Lakers with 23 assists.

Next up for the Lakes will be cross-town rival Gannon University. Mercyhurst will welcome Gannon to the newly renovated Mercyhurst Athletic Center on Friday, Oct. 8th.