ERIE, Pa.—The Mercyhurst Volleyball team closes out their regular season campaign this weekend on the road. They start the road trip at UPJ on Friday evening and play their final match at IUP on Saturday. 
 
1. Closing Time
The Lakers finish their 2022 season this weekend with a pair of road matches. Mercyhurst has posted strong performances while struggling to find wins this year. Non-conference play is where the Lakers shined. In their victories against Malone and West Virginia Wesleyan, the Lakers recorded season highs in kills with 58 and 53. 
 
2. Finish Strong
As they close out the regular season, the Lakers look to add to the win column. Mercyhurst is coming off a tough five-set loss to Cal (Pa.) last weekend. The Lakers took a strong two set lead but couldn't close out the win allowing the Vulcans to take the final three sets; However, the first set showed off the Lakers talent as they posted a .214 hitting percentage and saw contributions from many different players. 
 
3. Last Time Around 
Mercyhurst picked up their first conference win of the season against UPJ on Oct. 8. The four-set victory came in comeback fashion after falling in set one to the Mountain Cats. The Lakers hope to complete the sweep Friday night in Johnstown. 
 
The last time the Lakers matched up against the Crimson Hawks they suffered a three-set loss. Kate Hennessy led the Laker squad with 16 kills while Alexa Mitchell collected 18 assists and two services aces. The Lakers look to split the season series with IUP on Saturday at 6 p.m. 
 
4. Whole Team Effort
Hennessy, Paige Miller, and Kylie Schnars have been the main offensive producers for the Lakers this season tallying a combined 498 kills. The trio is followed by Kaitlyn Murphy and Corinne Bectold who have posted 85 kills apiece. Defensively, Zoe Gadomski has dug the most balls for the Lakers (285) followed by Miller (205) and Mitchell (177). Murphy and Schnars have been a force at the net recording 50 and 38 blocks respectively. Mitchell (389) and Isa McCaffrey (194) are the lead table setters for Mercyhurst. 
 
5. Scouting the Opponents
UPJ comes into the matchup with the Lakers with a 1-13 conference record. Their solo victory coming against Seton Hill on Sept. 23. The Mountain Cats have struggled this season going 8-20 overall with their last win coming at home against non-conference opponent Point Park on Oct. 18. 
 
IUP currently holds the third spot in the PSAC West behind Clarion and Gannon. The Crimson Hawks have earned a 9-5 conference record and gone 19-6 overall. IUP touts the most service aces in the PSAC averaging 2.37 per set and have also posted one of the best hitting percentages in the conference at .255.