Box Score ERIE, Pa. — Mercyhurst University (6-15, 4-4 NEC) defeated Stonehill College (4-20, 3-7 NEC) in a four-set match on Tuesday evening at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center, with scores of 23-25, 25-22, 25-21, and 25-16. The Lakers' defense recorded 14 total blocks, contributing to the victory.

The first set began with the Lakers falling behind as Stonehill took an early 3-0 lead, capitalizing on two service aces. Mercyhurst found momentum through Kaitlin Murphy's service, tying the score at 4-4 with a service ace and a block by Mia Mattingly. Murphy continued to lead, pushing the Lakers ahead 7-4 with another service ace and a block by Andrea Zaric. Mercyhurst maintained their lead with contributions from Julia Shepherd and Jessica Wilson, extending it to 16-11. Stonehill responded with a series of successful plays, drawing even at 17-17. The teams traded points, with Roslyn Guerra and Shepherd adding kills for Mercyhurst. Despite a closely contested finish, Stonehill edged out Mercyhurst in the first set, 25-23.

Stonehill started the second set with momentum, gaining an early 5-1 lead through effective attacking, including kills by Mia Berardino and Abby Farrell. The Lakers responded with a series of points, capitalizing on errors from Stonehill to level the score at 6-6, highlighted by a block from Julia Shepherd and Kaitlin Murphy. The middle portion of the set saw both teams exchange points, with Mercyhurst drawing level again at 13-13 following a ball handling error by Stonehill. Mercyhurst then seized control with a strong sequence, including a kill by Andrea Zaric and another by Julia Shepherd, to establish a 20-15 advantage. Despite a late push from Stonehill, Mercyhurst maintained their lead, closing out the set 25-22 after a block by Payton Melin and Kaitlin Murphy secured the final point.

Mercyhurst began the third set with a tightly contested exchange of points, but steadily gained momentum through the middle of the set. Andrea Zaric and Payton Melin contributed crucial kills, helping their team maintain a narrow lead. A series of errors from Stonehill allowed Mercyhurst to capitalize and pull ahead. As the set progressed, the Lakers extended their advantage with key defensive plays, including blocks by Mia Mattingly. Despite Stonehill's attempts to close the gap, the Lakers maintained composure, with Zaric securing the final point through a block on. The set concluded with Mercyhurst winning 25-21, closing out the set on a high note.

Mercyhurst began the fourth set with a quick start, capitalizing on the first point with a kill by Alia Mastromatteo. The home team built momentum with a series of offensive plays, including a pivotal block by Julia Shepherd and Kaitlin Murphy, pushing the lead to 4-1 early on. The set continued with Mercyhurst maintaining control as Roslyn Guerra and Shepherd contributed key kills, with Mastromatteo orchestrating the setup. A service ace by Anna Logan extended the lead to 9-4, showcasing Mercyhurst's solid serve game. Stonehill attempted to close the gap with a couple of service aces, but the Lakers maintained a steady lead. A critical sequence included blocks by Shepherd and Mattingly, which helped Mercyhurst maintain pressure and extend the advantage to 17-10. Mercyhurst closed the set decisively, with contributions from Guerra and Murphy securing crucial points. The final stages saw Trinity Tatupu and Alyssa Krause adding to the tally, culminating in a 25-16 set win for Mercyhurst.

Julia Shepherd led the team defensively, recording five total blocks and adding 11 kills on 22 attempts with a .318 hitting percentage. Mattingly was equally effective at the net, posting eight total blocks and hitting .571 with five kills on seven attempts. Mastromatteo facilitated the offense, tallying 13 assists over three games. Anna Logan contributed from the service line, delivering two aces across four games.

Looking ahead, the Lakers will host Stonehill on October 25 in Erie, Pa. The match is set to begin at 1 p.m.