ERIE, Pa. — Mercyhurst secured a 22-13 victory over LIU at Saxon Stadium, highlighted by a balanced offensive effort on Homecoming. This victory marked Mercyhurst's first official win in the NEC after making the transition to Division I in 2024, securing the win in front of 2,100 fans Saturday afternoon.  
 
Mercyhurst's defense held strong, forcing a quick three-and-out on LIU's opening drive. The Lakers then embarked on a methodical 16-play, 80-yard drive that was highlighted by Jonathan Askew's consistent rushing gains and Adam Urena's precise passing. The drive culminated in a 2-yard touchdown run by Jameir Gamble, his first career touchdown.
 
The Green and Blue's defense continued to stifle LIU in the opening half. On their second possession, LIU again failed to secure a first down, resulting in another punt. As the quarter closed, Mercyhurst maintained a 6-0 lead.
 
The Lakers opened the second quarter with a decisive play, as Brian Trobel rushed 49 yards for a touchdown, extending the lead early. The Mercyhurst defense once again forced an LIU punt on the following possession. The quarter continued with a productive drive featuring key contributions from Ayron Rodriguez and Camden Lewis, concluding with a 22-yard field goal by Max Young, which further extended the lead 15-0 with  1:03 remaining in the second quarter.
 
Late in the quarter, Adonis Marshall intercepted a pass, but an ensuing turnover allowed LIU to attempt a comeback. LIU capitalized with a field goal to narrow the gap to 15-3 before the halftime break.
 
The third quarter opened with LIU reducing the deficit through a 24-yard touchdown pass. It was the Shark's first passing touchdown of the season.
 
The Green and Blue responded with a drive characterized by solid rushing from Askew, who gained a first down with consecutive runs of eight and three yards. Despite the effort, the drive stalled, and a penalty nullified a significant gain, leading to a punt.
 
Later in the quarter, LIU capitalized on a 41-yard pass to set up a 25-yard field goal by Will Johnson, narrowing the lead. In the final moments, the offense showed resilience with a series of productive runs and a key first down rush by Trobel. The third quarter ended with Mercyhurst holding a narrow 15-13 lead.
 
The Lakers opened the fourth quarter with a strategic advance into LIU territory, aided by a penalty for unnecessary roughness. Urena's precise passing to Evan Van Dyke set up a crucial first down, continuing with a 20-yard completion that sustained the drive. The momentum culminated in a touchdown pass from Urena to Van Dyke with 8:21 left on the clock. Young's successful extra point extended the lead to 22-13.
 
LIU sought to close the gap with a drive starting deep in their territory, eventually reaching Mercyhurst's 18-yard line. However, their efforts were thwarted by a missed 35-yard field goal attempt, leaving the score unchanged.
 
Mercyhurst controlled the clock with effective rushing, while LIU's final possession ended with an interception by Chris Thompson. The Green and Blue secured the victory, closing the game with a 22-13 win.
 
Trobel rushed for 67 yards on seven carries and scored a touchdown. Van Dyke caught six passes for 52 yards and added a touchdown. Thompson made a crucial impact on defense with the late interception to close the book on the Lakers second win of the season and first official NEC victory. Marshall contributed defensively with three total tackles and one interception.