ERIE, Pa. — Mercyhurst fell to Saint Francis 3-1 on Wednesday evening at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center, with Saint Francis claiming victory by scores of 25-17, 22-25, 25-23, 25-18. The Lakers (7-16, 5-5 NEC) managed a second-set win, but Saint Francis (14-7, 9-1 NEC) outpaced them with a total of 64 kills in the match.

Mercyhurst began the first set with a quick start, securing an early 4-1 advantage with effective kills from Julia Shepherd and Mia Mattingly, both assisted by Alia Mastromatteo. Despite trading points initially, Saint Francis rallied to level the score at 8-8 after a series of plays highlighted by service aces and kills.

As the set progressed, Saint Francis gained momentum, establishing a lead with a strong offensive push to reach 17-13. The Lakers responded with key defensive plays, including a block by Mia Mattingly and Julia Shepherd, but Saint Francis extended their lead with consistent scoring from Burns. The set concluded with Saint Francis securing a 25-17 win.

Mercyhurst began the second set with a balanced offensive effort, highlighted by kills from Julia Shepherd and Mia Mattingly. The team maintained a narrow margin, with Kaitlin Murphy and Andrea Zaric contributing crucial points to keep the momentum steady.

Saint Francis kept pace, capitalizing on several Mercyhurst service errors to tie the score multiple times. However, the Lakers responded with strategic plays, including a critical block by Payton Melin and Kaitlin Murphy, and a series of kills by Zaric, to regain the lead.

The set concluded with Mercyhurst securing a 25-22 victory, as Zaric delivered the final point with a kill assisted by Alia Mastromatteo.

Mercyhurst began the third set with a service error from Saint Francis, leveling the score at 2-2. Andrea Zaric contributed significantly with a kill and a service ace, while Alia Mastromatteo added to the momentum with a kill, allowing the Lakers to take an early lead at 4-2. Midway through the set, Mercyhurst's defense held strong as Roslyn Guerra and Kaitlin Murphy combined for a block, extending the lead to 6-3.

As the set progressed, Payton Melin and Andrea Zaric continued to deliver kills, while Alyssa Krause's service ace expanded the lead to 9-4. Despite Saint Francis closing the gap to 10-9, Mercyhurst responded with crucial points from Julia Shepherd and Roslyn Guerra, maintaining the lead at 15-12.

In the closing stages, Saint Francis mounted a comeback, tying the score at 22-22 and then taking a narrow lead. Although Roslyn Guerra managed a late kill to bring the score to 24-23, Saint Francis secured the final point, concluding the set at 25-23 in their favor.

Mercyhurst began the fourth set with momentum, gaining an early lead as Julia Shepherd and Roslyn Guerra registered key kills, while Alyssa Krause added a service ace. The home team maintained a narrow advantage, 6-4, before Saint Francis responded.

Saint Francis shifted momentum midway through the set with a series of service aces and capitalized on Mercyhurst's errors, leading to a 10-8 advantage for the visitors. Despite a balanced attack from Mercyhurst, featuring contributions from Andrea Zaric and Alia Mastromatteo, the set remained closely contested.

In the closing stages, Saint Francis surged ahead, utilizing consistent kills to extend their lead. Mercyhurst's efforts to close the gap were stifled, and Saint Francis sealed the set with a 25-18 victory, concluding the match.

Andrea Zaric led the charge for Mercyhurst with 10 kills on 20 attempts, contributing significantly to her team's offensive efforts. Julia Shepherd also made her presence felt with nine kills and added three blocks, impacting both the attack and defense. Alia Mastromatteo facilitated the offensive flow by recording 16 assists and chipped in with one service ace. Alyssa Krause was a key server, delivering three aces while also tallying 11 assists to aid the team's overall performance.

Looking ahead, the Lakers will face CCSU on Friday, Oct. 31 at 6 p.m. The match will take place in New Britain, Connecticut, with Mercyhurst competing as the visiting team.