NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — Mercyhurst (7-17, 5-6 NEC) fell to Central Connecticut State University (7-16, 6-5 NEC) in a four-set match on Thursday evening at Detrick Gymnasium, with the final scores reading 19-25, 23-25, 25-18, 17-25. The Lakers' attack was highlighted by a .308 hitting percentage in the third set, which they won.

Mercyhurst opened the first set with an early effort to counter Central Connecticut State's initial surge. Julia Shepherd and Kaitlin Murphy combined for a block that sparked momentum, allowing the Green and Blue to level the score at 3-3. A series of effective plays, including kills from Shepherd and Payton Melin, pushed Mercyhurst ahead 7-4 before Central Connecticut State responded.

Midway through the set, Mercyhurst maintained pressure with key plays, including a service ace by Alia Mastromatteo and consecutive kills by Shepherd, closing the gap to 14-13. Despite a strong effort, including a late kill by Mia Mattingly, Central Connecticut State closed out the set with a 25-19 victory following a series of service aces and blocks.

Mercyhurst opened the second set with a series of successful plays, capitalizing on several errors by Central Connecticut State to secure an early 5-1 lead. Mattingly contributed with a service ace, and Shepherd delivered a block to maintain momentum. Despite service errors, the Lakers managed to keep ahead at 10-4 with Anna Logan's kill and subsequent attack miscues from the opposition.

Central Connecticut State then began to mount a comeback, narrowing the gap to 11-11 with a combination of service aces and kills. The teams exchanged points, with Mercyhurst briefly regaining the lead at 14-12 through key kills by Shepherd and Madison Miner. However, Central Connecticut responded with a strong offensive push, overtaking Mercyhurst at 17-15.

In the closing segment of the set, Mercyhurst fought back to tie the score at 21-21, aided by service aces from Logan and a kill by Murphy. Despite this effort, Central Connecticut managed to edge ahead, ultimately taking the set 25-23 after a late kill secured their victory.

Mercyhurst initiated the third set with a strong opening, quickly establishing a 3-0 lead through a combination of defensive blocks and a kill by Logan. Alyssa Krause played a pivotal role, contributing assists that set up multiple scoring opportunities. Despite Central Connecticut narrowing the gap to 3-2, Mercyhurst responded with another series of points, extending their lead to 6-2.

Mercyhurst maintained their momentum with a balanced attack, highlighted by kills from Miner and Shepherd. The team capitalized on Central Connecticut's errors to widen their lead further. Even as the opponent attempted to rally, the Green and Blue consistently answered back, maintaining a steady advantage throughout the set.

As the set drew to a close, Mercyhurst continued to press, with Roslyn Guerra delivering back-to-back kills to seal the set. The final score of the third set was 25-18 in favor of Mercyhurst, solidifying their position with a commanding lead.

Mercyhurst started the fourth set with momentum, as Sarah Barnum secured the first point with a kill assisted by Krause. A service ace by Barnum and a kill from Mattingly helped the Lakers establish an early 4-2 lead. Despite a service error by CCSU, Mercyhurst maintained their advantage with Shepherd contributing a crucial kill to keep the score close at 7-6.

As the set progressed, CCSU capitalized on several errors from Mercyhurst, including an attack error and a service error, allowing CCSU to equalize and then pull ahead to a 10-9 lead. Mercyhurst responded with a block by Barnum and Guerra, followed by a kill from Melin, closing the gap to 16-14.

However, CCSU regained control with a series of kills and service aces, pushing the score to 19-14. Despite efforts from Mattingly and Shepherd to add points for Mercyhurst, CCSU continued their strong play and closed the set, winning 25-17.

Shepherd led the team with 11 kills and contributed three block assists, totaling 12.5 points. Mastromatteo facilitated the offense with 15 assists and added seven digs in four games. Mattingly achieved a perfect attack percentage with six kills on six attempts and added four total blocks. Murphy posted five block assists, tying for the team's top blocker in two games.

Looking ahead, Mercyhurst will travel to New Britain, Connecticut, to face CCSU on Saturday, Nov. 1. The match is set for 4 p.m.