Erie, Pa. - In their final game of the WWPA Erie Classic, Mercyhurst women's water polo was able to defeat the top seed in the conference, the McKendree Bearcats. The Lakers used a strong defensive effort in the fourth quarter to help them claim the momentum in the 9-6 win.

How it Happened

The Bearcats managed to fire the opening salvo of the game with their top goal-scorer, Joey Robelo, getting her team on the board in the first two minutes. Mercyhurst responded quickly and showed they were not going to go away quietly as Grace Brzyski netted the first Lakers goal of the game just 13 seconds later. Allie Dombkowski added on two minutes later to make it a 2-1 advantage before McKendree tied things up in the final minute of the first frame, 2-2.

The second quarter was one where Sakura Gavin did most of the work for the Lakers with the senior denting the twine twice with Rachal Vlietstra having the other of the team's goals. The defense for Mercyhurst strong in the period, suffocating Robelo and forcing others to beat them with the Bearcats scoring just once, giving Mercyhurst a 4-3 lead at the halftime break.

The third period was another tight one with the both teams scoring three times in the frame. For the Lakers, Vlietstra managed to score a pair of goals while Dombkowski found the back of the net in the waning seconds to help the Lakers retain a one-goal lead going into the final period of play, 7-6.

Mercyhurst's defensive effort in the fourth quarter was one that once again focused on slowing down Robelo with that strategy proving effective. The team held strong when in close to their own net and managed to keep the Bearcats off the board while Brzyski and Dombowksi each scored to help the Lakers add on for some insurance in the three-goal win.

Highlights

Allie Dombkowski and Rachel Vlietstra tied for the team-lead in points with the Laker pairing each having four in the game. Dombkowski led the way in goals with three while Vlietstra had two goals and two assists. Both Sakura Gavin and Grace Brzyski tied Vlietstra for second on the team in scores with each claiming two as well. 

Next Game

Mercyhurst rounds out their regular season schedule with their next contest with the team taking on Saint Francis. The Lakers will go back out on the road for that contest as they head to Loretto, Pa. on Saturday, April 13th, before beginning their conference championships on the 26th.