Erie, Pa. – The Mercyhurst Lakers Volleyball team continues their Northeast Conference schedule this Friday and Saturday as they host the LIU Sharks. The Lakers look to build momentum following a competitive weekend series, while Long Island aims to solidify its position in conference play. The match is set to begin at 6:00 PM at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. 

Laker Outlook 

Mercyhurst comes into the match with a 3-15 overall record and a 2-6 mark in NEC play. Paige Miller has been the standout offensive player for the Lakers, leading the team with 175 kills and averaging 2.87 kills per set. Alia Mastromatteo has been the primary playmaker, recording 222 assists, while Kaitlin Murphy continues to anchor the blocking efforts with 35 total blocks this season. On defense, Kelsie Gaiter-Davis has contributed a team-high 188 digs, helping to keep opponents' offenses in check. 

The Lakers will aim to improve on their .140 hitting percentage and limit errors as they face a solid LIU defense. 

A Look at Long Island 

The LIU Sharks enter the match with a 9-15 overall record and a 5-3 mark in NEC play. The Sharks are led offensively by Camelia Melendez, who has tallied 227 kills this season, averaging 2.91 kills per set. Bria Plante has been another offensive asset with 123 kills, hitting at a .268 clip. Setter Selina Koç leads the team with 529 assists, directing LIU's attack with an average of 6.61 assists per set. 

Defensively, LIU is effective at the net, averaging 2.38 blocks per set, led by Bria Plante, who has recorded 81 block assists. The Sharks also excel at serving, with a team total of 134 aces, putting pressure on opponents with a balanced service game. 

What to Watch For 

• Key Attackers: The offensive duel between Mercyhurst's Paige Miller and LIU's Camelia Melendez could set the tone, with both players leading their teams in kills. 

• Blocking Battle: LIU averages 2.38 blocks per set, making them one of the more formidable defensive teams in the NEC. Mercyhurst's front line, led by Kaitlin Murphy, will look to counteract LIU's blocking presence. 

• Service Pressure: With both teams showing strength in serving, Long Island averaging 1.56 aces per set and Mercyhurst at 1.81 aces per set, the serving game could play a decisive role. 

Next Up 

After their match against Long Island, the Lakers will travel to Chicago for a matchup with Chicago St., who sits atop the NEC with an 8-0 conference record.