ERIE, Pa. — Mercyhurst University (12-17, 10-6 NEC) secured a straight-set victory over Chicago State University (1-25, 1-15 NEC) on Saturday at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center, winning 27-25, 25-18, 25-18. The Lakers' serving was a key factor, with the team recording nine aces.

The first set began with the Lakers establishing their presence as Andrea Zaric and Mia Mattingly secured early points, keeping the score close despite initial challenges. Alyssa Krause and Mevelyn Brazonban contributed crucial plays, leading to a momentum shift and helping the Lakers overcome a 6-1 deficit to even the score at 6-6. 

Mercyhurst continued to respond effectively to Chicago State's advances, with key contributions from Kaitlin Murphy and Roslyn Guerra, pushing the set into a tense back-and-forth battle. In the closing moments, Trinity Tatupu's service ace sealed the set for the Lakers with a 27-25 win, securing an early advantage.

The Lakers began the second set with a strong offensive surge, capitalizing on errors from Chicago State to quickly establish a 7-0 lead. This run was highlighted by a sequence of attack errors from the visitors, with Madison Miner and Andrea Zaric contributing key kills to extend the advantage. 

Chicago State responded by narrowing the gap to 11-7, but Mercyhurst regained momentum with a service ace from Sarah Barnum and consistent scoring from Jessica Wilson and Mevelyn Brazonban. Despite the opponent's efforts to close in, Mercyhurst maintained their lead through effective plays by Madison Miner and Andrea Zaric.

The set concluded with the Lakers securing a 25-18 victory, as Andrea Zaric's kill, assisted by Aliyah Angelici, sealed the final point. This result extended Mercyhurst's advantage in the match.

The Lakers opened the third set with a decisive sequence, leveraging an attack error by Chicago State to equalize early at 1-1. The home team then established a lead with an effective block by Jessica Wilson and a service ace from Madison Miner, setting the score at 3-1.

Andrea Zaric and Madison Miner played pivotal roles, each contributing multiple kills, with Zaric also delivering a service ace to extend the Lakers' advantage. A strong service run by Alyssa Krause, including two aces, widened the gap to 18-10.

Despite a brief Chicago State resurgence, Mercyhurst maintained composure. Madison Miner and Andrea Zaric continued to find success at the net, leading the team to close the set strong with a 25-18 win, sealing the third set.

Andrea Zaric led the Lakers with 15 kills on 34 attempts, adding two aces and contributing three block assists for a total of 18.5 points. Madison Miner posted a strong performance with eight kills on 16 swings, maintaining a .438 hitting percentage, while also adding one service ace and five digs. Alia Mastromatteo was pivotal in distribution, recording 16 assists and collecting nine digs. Sarah Barnum registered a perfect hitting percentage with a kill on her lone attack and added four total blocks to her defensive efforts.