NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — Mercyhurst (8-17, 6-6 NEC) claimed a 3-1 victory over Central Connecticut State University (7-17, 6-6 NEC) at Detrick Gymnasium, with the Lakers' defense recording 14 total blocks to secure the win by scores of 25-22, 25-19, 21-25, 25-15.

Mercyhurst commenced the first set with a steady exchange of points against the Blue Devils. Andrea Zaric and Payton Melin each contributed crucial kills, helping the Lakers briefly take a 5-3 lead. A service error by Central Connecticut State allowed the Lakers to equalize at 2-2 early on. As the set progressed, they found momentum with a series of offensive plays. Julia Shepherd delivered two key kills, while Roslyn Guerra added another, bringing the score to a tight 18-19. A late surge, featuring a block by Kaitlin Murphy and Melin, propelled the Lakers to a 24-21 advantage. A service error by the Blue Devils sealed the set for the Lakers, closing with a 25-22 victory.

The Lakers overcame an early deficit in the second set, with Central Connecticut State initially taking a 6-1 lead. Mercyhurst responded with a significant shift in momentum, sparked by Alyssa Krause's performance, including two service aces and a series of opponent attack errors, to even the score at 7-7. This surge was critical in building a 10-7 advantage. The Lakers continued to capitalize on the Blue Devils' errors and maintained their offensive push with contributions from Guerra and Murphy. They extended their lead to 16-9, maintaining control throughout the latter part of the set. Mercyhurst closed the set with a decisive 25-19 victory, highlighted by a late block from Zaric and Mia Mattingly.

The Lakers began the third set with momentum, highlighted by Alia Mastromatteo's service ace. The team established an early lead with a series of successful plays, including kills by Guerra and Shepherd, contributing to a 9-4 advantage. Despite the Blue Devils' attempts to close the gap, the Lakers maintained control with effective plays from Zaric and Shepherd. However, a series of errors allowed Central Connecticut State to rally, leveling the score at 17-17. The set concluded with the Blue Devils pulling ahead after a tightly contested sequence. Despite a late point from the Lakers due to a service error by Central Connecticut State, the home team secured the set with a final score of 25-21, closing the match.

The Lakers began the fourth set with a determined effort, turning a brief 3-1 deficit into a series of successful plays. Zaric's service aces and blocks from Guerra and Mattingly fueled a 7-0 scoring run, propelling the team to an 8-3 lead. Shepherd contributed with a kill, extending the advantage to five points. With momentum on their side, the Lakers maintained pressure on Central Connecticut State, with Melin and Mattingly delivering key blocks. The team capitalized on several opponent errors, widening the gap to 15-9. Although Central Connecticut State managed occasional points, the Lakers' offensive consistency, highlighted by kills from Guerra, kept them comfortably ahead. As the set concluded, the Lakers continued to dominate, with Guerra and Murphy adding crucial kills. The team effectively closed out the set, capitalizing on an attack error by Amanda Tokam to secure a 25-15 victory in the set.

Shepherd led the team defensively, recording five total blocks over four games. Mastromatteo contributed significantly in setting with 15 assists. Zaric posted 10 kills and added a service ace. Murphy also made her presence felt at the net with five total blocks.

Looking ahead, Mercyhurst will travel to face Le Moyne on Friday, Nov. 7 in Syracuse, New York. The match will begin at 6 p.m.