Box Score SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Mercyhurst (10-17, 8-6 NEC) defeated Le Moyne (4-22, 3-11 NEC) in four sets at Ted Grant Court on Saturday, securing the match with scores of 19-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-22. The Lakers tallied 11 service aces, contributing significantly to their victory.

The first set began with Mercyhurst establishing early momentum through effective plays by Brice Hansen and Kaitlin Murphy. Hansen's kill, set up by Mia Mattingly, and a service error by Le Moyne contributed to an initial 4-2 lead for the Lakers. Roslyn Guerra also added to the scoreboard with a kill, further extending the advantage to 5-2. 

Le Moyne responded by leveling the score at 6-6, capitalizing on a series of attack errors. Despite this, the Lakers managed to regain the lead with a notable kill from Mattingly, making it 11-10. However, Le Moyne's consistent scoring pressure, including a service ace, gave them a slight edge. 

As the set progressed, the Lakers fought back to narrow the deficit with crucial plays, including a service ace by Sydney Forcht and a kill by Andrea Zaric, reducing the gap to 21-18. However, Le Moyne closed out the set with decisive service aces, securing a 25-19 result.

Mercyhurst capitalized on a series of strong offensive plays to shift momentum in the second set against Le Moyne. Julia Shepherd delivered multiple crucial kills, assisted consistently by Alia Mastromatteo, which helped close the gap and eventually take the lead. Zaric's service ace tied the score at 13-13, and Mattingly's kill extended the Lakers' advantage.

The team maintained their lead with contributions from Murphy and Madison Miner, building a steady offensive drive. Shepherd's final kill, followed by Mastromatteo's service ace, secured the set for Mercyhurst with a 25-18 finish, setting the stage for a strong continuation into the next phase of the match.

The Lakers opened the third set with a strong start, quickly establishing a 6-3 advantage over Le Moyne. Key contributions included a service ace by Mastromatteo and a kill by Murphy, setting the tone for the set. 

The Lakers maintained their momentum, with Shepherd and Miner putting up crucial points. Forcht's service ace contributed to extending the lead to 19-13, as Mercyhurst capitalized on multiple errors from Le Moyne. 

Le Moyne managed a late rally, closing the gap to a 22-22 tie, but the Lakers responded decisively. Shepherd delivered a pivotal kill, and Mattingly's service ace helped secure a 25-22 victory in the third set.

Mercyhurst entered the fourth set with a focused momentum, quickly equalizing the score at 1-1 with a kill by Hansen assisted by Mastromatteo. Alyssa Krause's effective serving led to a service ace and helped the Lakers capitalize on opponent errors, building a 7-3 lead. 

Le Moyne briefly evened the score at 7-7, but Mercyhurst responded with three consecutive service aces from Forcht, extending the lead to 13-9. Payton Melin and Mattingly contributed key kills, maintaining the team's advantage. 

As the set progressed, Zaric and Murphy delivered crucial kills, keeping Mercyhurst ahead. Despite a late push from Le Moyne, the Lakers secured the victory with a final kill by Murphy, closing the set at 25-22.

Murphy excelled with a hitting percentage of .526, posting 12 kills and adding three block assists. Mastromatteo contributed significantly with 26 assists and two service aces, complementing her defensive effort with nine digs. Forcht was effective from the service line, tallying six aces without committing a service error. Shepherd added 12 kills on 25 attempts, while Zaric recorded 11 kills and two total blocks during the match.

Looking ahead, Mercyhurst will face Chicago State on Friday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. The matchup will take place in Erie, Pennsylvania, as the Lakers play on their home court.