Erie, Pa.—The Mercyhurst Volleyball team takes the short trip down to Clarion on Tuesday for their first PSAC West matchup of the year. On Saturday, the Lakers host Seton Hill for another conference match.
1. So Far…
The have a 2-7 record so far this season with wins coming against Malone and West Virginia Wesleyan. The and Golden Eagles have already met once this season at the Wildcat Den Classic hosted by . Clarion defeated in straight sets. Last season, the defeated Seton Hill twice winning 3-2 on the road and 3-1 at home.
2. Stay Above .300
The last time the had a hitting percentage above .300 came in an upset of Gannon last season at home. The hit for a .322 average with 45 kills and only eight errors. The key for the to beating West powerhouse Clarion is to reduce errors and improve their hitting percentage.
3. Protect the Net
During the three game last weekend, they recorded 21 blocks with nine coming in their win against WVW. In the first victory of the season against Malone and in their first match against Clarion, they denied their opponents five time apiece. Kaitlin Murphy leads the with 18 followed closely by Kylie with 17.
4. Whole Team Effort
Coach Ryan Patton has been utilizing all his players this season as the saw sophomore Grace pick up her first collegiate kills against Findlay on Saturday. He also used Erin Wall who came off the bench to serve two aces for the and pick up three digs against WVW on Friday. Parks has also contributed to the Laker offense picking up 12 kills and a block assist this past weekend.
5. Scouting the Opponents
Clarion started their season on a 10-0 run before losing to West Liberty in four sets on Saturday. They were selected number one in the West preseason poll. The Golden Eagles offense is led by the duo of Julia and Cassidy Snider. leads the team with 133 kills followed by Snider with 96.
Seton Hill is 9-2 this season with their long losses coming to David & Elkins and Saginaw State. This past weekend the Griffins hosted a tournament and went 3-0 with wins over Point Park, Lock Haven and Concord. Paige Cole leads the team with 140 kills and 128 digs.
