ERIE, Pa. — Mercyhurst (4-15, 2-4 NEC) edged out New Haven (2-15, 1-7 NEC) in a thrilling five-set match on Friday evening at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center, securing the victory with scores of 19-25, 28-26, 25-20, 21-25, 15-11.

Mercyhurst started the first set with a lineup featuring Roslyn Guerra, Alia Mastromatteo, Kaitlin Murphy, Julia Shepherd, Sarah Barnum, and Andrea Zaric. New Haven took an early lead, but Mercyhurst responded with a series of offensive plays, including kills from Zaric and Shepherd, narrowing the gap to 5-4. 

New Haven extended their lead, but the Lakers countered with a consistent effort, highlighted by kills from Shepherd and Guerra. The team also capitalized on New Haven's errors, closing the score to 19-17 after back-to-back service aces from Alyssa Krause.

Despite the rally, New Haven finished the set strong, holding off the Lakers to close the first set at 25-19.

Mercyhurst showcased resilience in the second set, beginning with a block by Kaitlin Murphy and Anna Logan to take the initial point. Shepherd and Murphy contributed key kills, supported by Mastromatteo's assists, helping the Lakers maintain a slim lead.

Despite New Haven's attempts to close the gap, including a series of successful plays that tied the score at 11, Mercyhurst capitalized on New Haven's errors and continued to build momentum. Shepherd and Zaric provided timely blocks and kills, while Mastromatteo's service ace extended the lead.

The set reached a tense conclusion with both teams exchanging points. However, the Lakers secured the set with kills from Guerra and Shepherd, ultimately closing the set with a 28-26 victory.

In the third set, Mercyhurst capitalized on a series of errors from New Haven to build momentum. After an early 2-0 deficit, the Lakers responded with a 3-0 run, including a service ace by Logan. Shepherd and Zaric delivered key kills, helping the Lakers maintain a slight edge.

Despite a brief run from New Haven, Mercyhurst regained control. Mastromatteo's setting facilitated effective attacks, with Guerra and Mia Mattingly contributing crucial points. A late push from the Chargers narrowed the gap, but the Lakers secured the set with a kill from Shepherd, closing it at 25-20.

The fourth set opened with New Haven taking an early lead, capitalizing on a series of attack errors from Mercyhurst. New Haven's offensive pressure pushed the score to 4-0 before Logan contributed a kill to get the Lakers on the board. Despite a service error from New Haven, Mercyhurst encountered difficulty sustaining momentum due to additional errors, trailing 9-2 in the early phase.

Mercyhurst responded with a brief rally, sparked by a kill from Shepherd and a service ace by Krause. However, New Haven maintained control, extending their lead to 17-11. The Lakers continued to battle back, highlighted by blocks and kills from Zaric and Guerra, narrowing the gap to 22-14.

In the closing moments, Mercyhurst made a resilient push, reducing New Haven's lead to 24-21 with consecutive points, including a service ace from Kelsie Gaiter-Davis. Nonetheless, New Haven secured the set with a final kill, concluding the set with a 25-21 victory.

New Haven opened the fifth set with a slight advantage, pulling ahead 5-1 before Mercyhurst responded. Shepherd's kill, assisted by Mastromatteo, marked the start of a comeback for Mercyhurst, who then went on a 6-1 run to tie the score at 6-6, aided by a service ace from Krause.

Mercyhurst continued to build momentum as they took a 9-8 lead, capitalizing on New Haven's setting errors. A block by Mattingly and Payton Melin, followed by a kill from Zaric, extended Mercyhurst's lead to 13-10. Shepherd's final kill, again from Mastromatteo's assist, sealed the set at 15-11, securing the match for the Lakers.

Shepherd led Mercyhurst with 18 kills and contributed three blocks, totaling 20.5 points. Mastromatteo facilitated the team's offense with 30 assists and added nine digs. Zaric added to the defensive effort with ten digs and four blocks, alongside 14 kills for 17.5 points. Krause was effective from the service line, registering four aces and contributing nine digs.

Up next for Mercyhurst, they prepare to host New Haven on October 18. The match will begin at 1 p.m. in Erie, Pa.