ERIE, Pa. — Mercyhurst (3-12, 1-1 NEC) defeated FDU (7-8, 1-1 NEC) in a four-set match at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center on Saturday afternoon. The Lakers claimed victory with scores of 25-23, 25-23, 19-25, 25-22. The Lakers's strong serving contributed significantly, with a total of 11 aces compared to FDU's six.

Mercyhurst opened the first set with strong offensive plays, highlighted by Alia Mastromatteo's multiple assists setting up kills for Kaitlin Murphy and Roslyn Guerra. After trailing early, the Lakers rallied with a series of kills from Sarah Barnum and a service ace from Brice Hansen, leveling the score at 8-8 before taking the lead. As the set progressed, the Lakers maintained momentum through strategic plays, including additional kills by Andrea Zaric and Julia Shepherd, extending their lead to 21-17. Despite a late push by FDU, Mercyhurst secured the first set 25-23, concluding with a block by Barnum.

Mercyhurst and FDU engaged in a tightly contested second set, marked by several lead changes and pivotal plays. The Lakers gained momentum with a mid-set surge featuring key kills from Zaric and Shepherd, supported by Mastromatteo's assists, pushing the home team to a narrow lead. The scoring was punctuated by significant defensive stops, including blocks by Shepherd and Murphy, which helped maintain the advantage. FDU fought back to level the score at 20-20, capitalizing on Mercyhurst errors. However, the Lakers reclaimed control with a decisive block by Payton Melin and Barnum to close out the set, securing a 25-23 victory. They ended the set with a consistent offensive push, maintaining their edge in the match.

The third set commenced with Mercyhurst executing a strong offensive push, quickly securing a 5-0 lead through a series of effective plays including a kill by Zaric and a block by Madison Miner and Murphy. FDU responded with a brief scoring run, but Miner's and Melin's key kills maintained a 10-8 advantage for the Lakers. Midway through the set, Mercyhurst's momentum waned as FDU mounted a significant comeback, tying the score at 11-11 and then overtaking the Lakers. Despite service aces by Sydney Forcht that narrowed the gap to 18-17, FDU capitalized on several errors and extended their lead. In the closing stages, FDU maintained control, with strong serving and a series of kills. Mercyhurst's attempts to regain footing were met by FDU's consistent defense, ultimately resulting in a 25-19 set win for the visitors.

Mercyhurst began the fourth set with a commanding start, quickly establishing a 5-0 lead highlighted by a series of blocks from Murphy and Zaric. Shepherd contributed with back-to-back kills, setting a strong tone for the Lakers' offensive efforts. FDU managed to respond, but Mercyhurst maintained control, leading 10-7 midway through the set. As the set progressed, FDU narrowed the gap, bringing the score to 15-14. However, timely kills by Zaric and Murphy helped the Green and Blue maintain their lead. A service ace from Forcht extended Mercyhurst's advantage to 17-14, despite FDU's attempts to rally. In the closing moments, Mercyhurst held firm despite FDU tying the score at 22-22. A crucial service error from FDU followed by decisive kills from Shepherd and Zaric secured the set for the Lakers, concluding the set with a 25-22 victory.

Shepherd recorded 14 kills and contributed to the defense with three total blocks, accumulating 16 points for Mercyhurst. Mastromatteo facilitated the offense with 31 assists while adding 13 digs on defense. Zaric led the team with 16 kills and added two block assists, finishing with 17 points. Forcht was effective from the service line, delivering six aces in the match.

In their next game, Mercyhurst will travel to face St. Francis on October 7 at 6 p.m. in Loretto, Pa.