Erie, Pa.—The Mercyhurst Volleyball team returns home this weekend for a pair of matches against IUP and Pitt-Johnstown still looking for their first conference win. The Lakers take the court on Friday at 7 p.m. and at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
1. Big at the Net
Freshman
Kaitlin Murphy has collected a team best 33 blocks so far this season with 15 coming during conference play.
Kylie Schnars has also been a defensive force on the net recording 24 block while only making three errors.
2. The Great Kate
Kate Hennessy has shown off as the most senior attacker for the Lakers this season. Her 119 kills put her at the top of the leader board for Mercyhurst. The senior from Hamburg, N.Y. has also posted one of the best hitting percentages for the Lakers at .146 and defensively Hennessy has denied her opponents at the net 17 times. She looks to continue her contribution to the team as they search for their first conference victory.
3. Find Holes
IUP has positioned themselves as one of the best defensive teams in the PSAC. The Crimson Hawks have held their opponents to just 8.66 kills per set and forced a .125 opponent hitting percentage. IUP leads the PSAC in services aces as well hitting percentage with an impressive .273. The Lakers need to find creative ways to score against the impressive defense from IUP as well as containing their offense.
4. Scouting the Opponents
IUP's impressive statistics have led them to a third place slot in the PSAC West. They are 4-2 in the conference and 14-3 overall. The Crimson Hawks travel to Erie coming off of a three sets to one loss against Clarion.
Pitt-Johnstown sits just above the Lakers in the conference standings with a 1-5 record. Their singular victory coming against Seton Hill in five sets at home. The Mountain Cats are scheduled to play in Edinboro Friday night before taking on the Lakers at the MAC on Saturday afternoon.
5. What's Next?
Mercyhurst is schedule for a home match against Clarion next Friday before they travel to Seton Hill on Saturday. Next weekend's match will be the third meeting between the Lakers and the Golden Eagles and the second against the Griffins.
