BROOKLYN, N.Y. — LIU (10-7, 7-0 NEC) defeated Mercyhurst (3-15, 1-4 NEC) in straight sets at Steinberg Wellness Center with scores of 25-20, 25-17, and 25-12.
 
Mercyhurst began the opening set with a strong start, highlighted by Julia Shepherd's kill assisted by Alia Mastromatteo, putting the visiting team on the scoreboard first. Despite this early momentum, LIU responded with a series of successful plays, building a lead through effective setup, pushing the score to 3-1 in favor of the Sharks.
 
The Lakers narrowed the gap to 7-6 with a run, capitalizing on errors by LIU and effective kills by Shepherd and Roslyn Guerra. Mercyhurst continued to battle back, with Andrea Zaric's efforts closing the score to 16-13, but LIU's consistent offensive attack extended their lead.
 
In the closing stages, the Lakers showed resilience, reducing the deficit to 24-20 through efforts from Zaric and a block by Mia Mattingly. However, a service error allowed LIU to close the set, with a final score of 25-20, giving them the initial edge in the match.
 
Mercyhurst began the second set with a strong showing, quickly establishing a 7-1 lead through a combination of offensive plays including kills by Andrea Zaric and Roslyn Guerra, both assisted by Alia Mastromatteo. The team maintained momentum early with efficient attacks and capitalizing on LIU's errors.
 
As the set progressed, LIU found their rhythm, closing the gap with a series of successful plays, eventually overtaking Mercyhurst with a 13-8 run that shifted the score from 13-13 to 25-17. Despite Mercyhurst's efforts to regain control, including key plays from Kaitlin Murphy and Madison Miner, LIU's consistent scoring secured the set.
 
Mercyhurst began the third set with momentum as Julia Shepherd and Kaitlin Murphy combined for a block to score the first point, followed by an Andrea Zaric kill from Roslyn Guerra to establish a 2-0 lead. However, LIU quickly countered with a series of scoring plays, capitalizing on Mercyhurst errors to shift the momentum that contributed to an 8-2 LIU run.
 
The Lakers responded with a brief rally midway through the set, highlighted by consecutive blocks from Shepherd and Murphy, closing the gap to 10-5. Despite efforts from Shepherd and Guerra, LIU maintained control, extending their lead with persistent attacks.
 
The set concluded with Mercyhurst unable to significantly close the deficit, despite a late service ace from Anna Logan. LIU secured the set with a 25-12 victory.
 
Shepherd recorded seven kills and contributed three block assists over three sets, totaling 8.5 points for the Lakers. Murphy excelled defensively with five total blocks, leading the team in this category. Zaric added eight kills and seven digs, finishing with 10 points. Mastromatteo facilitated the offense with 17 assists, directing the team's play over the course of the match.
 
Looking ahead, the Lakers will face New Haven on Friday, Oct. 17, at 6 p.m. in Erie, Pa.