BROOKLYN, N.Y. — LIU (9-7, 6-0 NEC) defeated Mercyhurst (3-14, 1-3 NEC) in straight sets on Friday evening at the Steinberg Wellness Center, with final scores of 25-22, 33-31, and 25-17.
Mercyhurst opened the first set with a steady performance, quickly responding to LIU's early lead.
Julia Shepherd and
Roslyn Guerra secured timely kills, while
Andrea Zaric contributed with crucial points, keeping the score close during the initial exchanges.
Sarah Barnum and Shepherd combined for a pivotal block that helped level the score at 3-3.
Despite several service errors on both sides, the Lakers maintained pressure with contributions from
Kaitlin Murphy and
Alyssa Krause, who capitalized on LIU's errors to equalize at 6-6. However, LIU surged ahead with a series of successful plays, pushing their lead to 17-7 through consistent attacking.
The Lakers rallied late in the set, narrowing the gap with a service ace from Zaric and consecutive kills from Zaric and Murphy, bringing the score to 23-22. Ultimately, LIU closed the first set with a kill, capturing the set 25-22.
Mercyhurst opened the second set with a strong start, capitalizing on LIU's errors to take an early 5-2 lead, highlighted by a service ace from
Alia Mastromatteo. The team maintained momentum through effective blocking from Shepherd and Barnum, extending the lead to 10-6.
LIU responded by closing the gap, tying the score at 17-17. Mercyhurst countered with kills from Guerra and Zaric, regaining a slim 19-17 lead. The set remained tightly contested, with both teams exchanging points and reaching a 24-24 tie, leading to an intense finish.
As the set extended beyond the usual 25 points, both teams fought for control. The Lakers secured key points through aggressive plays from Shepherd and Guerra, but LIU ultimately edged out a 33-31 win, concluding the set with a narrow lead.
The Lakers began the third set by capitalizing on an early service error from LIU to take the first point. Zaric and Shepherd contributed with kills, assisted by Mastromatteo, to keep the score close at 3-3. Despite facing a series of LIU blocks, Mercyhurst responded with defensive blocks from Shepherd and Murphy, and a kill by Guerra to narrow the deficit to 5-6.
Midway through the set,
Payton Melin and Barnum's blocks helped level the score at 7-7. Melin continued to impact with a kill, but LIU pulled ahead with a series of successful plays, extending their lead. Shepherd and Murphy managed to add points for the Lakers, keeping the score at 10-18.
In the closing stages, Mercyhurst showed resilience with a late rally, including kills by Zaric and blocks by
Mia Mattingly and Melin, narrowing the gap to 17-23. However, LIU ultimately closed the set with a service ace, securing a 25-17 victory for the set.
Zaric led the Lakers with 11 kills and added 11 digs in the match. Shepherd contributed defensively with six total blocks, while Barnum supported the effort with five blocks. Mastromatteo facilitated the offense by recording 15 assists and served one ace.
The Lakers continue NEC play with another match against LIU, tomorrow, Oct. 11 at 1:00 p.m.
