Laker Invitational, presented by Scott Enterprises, Official Lodging Partner of Mercyhurst Athletics
 
COLUMBIA (3-0, 0-0 IVY) vs MERCYHURST (2-4, 0-0 NEC)
Friday, Sept. 11 – 1 p.m.
Erie, Pa. – Mercyhurst Athletic Center
TV: NEC Front Row
 
KENT STATE (2-4, 0-0 MAC) vs MERCYHURST (2-4, 0-0 NEC)
Friday, Sept. 11 – 7 p.m.
Erie, Pa. – Mercyhurst Athletic Center
TV: NEC Front Row
 
NIAGARA (0-3, 0-0 METRO) vs MERCYHURST (2-4, 0-0 NEC)
Saturday, Sept. 12 – 2  p.m.
Erie, Pa. – Mercyhurst Athletic Center
TV: NEC Front Row
 
The Mercyhurst volleyball team is set to continue their 2026 season at home to host the Laker Invitational, presented by Scott Enterprises. The Lakers are scheduled to play Columbia, Kent State and Niagara.
 
Previously From the Lakers:
The Lakers hosted the Mercyhurst Invitational, facing off against Morehead State, Siena and Cleveland State. They lost their first game 3-0 to Morehead State, won their second game 3-2 against Siena, and lost their final game 3-1 to Cleveland State.
 
The Watchlist:
Opposite hitter Julia Shepherd received NEC Prime Performer honors for the second consecutive week. She had 44 kills, 12 digs, and five blocks on a .390 hitting percentage. Shepherd also had the match-point kill to ensure victory for the Lakers against Siena.
 
Outside hitter Roslyn Guerra provided an offensive spark for the Lakers this past weekend. She averages 2.17 kills per set, which ranks 10^th overall in the NEC.
 
Libero Kelsie Gaiter-Davis was a defensive force to be reckoned with. She tallied 27 digs this weekend, constantly giving the Lakers chances to generate some offense.
 
A Closer Look: Columbia

• Columbia started their season 3-0, with wins against Iona, Lafayette and NEC foe FDU.
• Outside hitter Elena Maynulet leads the team with 31 kills on the year.
• The Lions finished their season 2-22, with their wins coming against Siena and Iona.

 
A Closer Look: Kent State

• Kent State started their season 2-4, with their wins coming against Coppin State and William & Mary.
• Setter Christina Vigil leads the team with 158 assists. She averages 6.58 assists per set, which ranks sixth in the MAC.
• The Golden Flashes finished their 2025 season 8-21, with key wins coming against North Dakota, UTSA and Morgan State

 
A Closer Look: Niagara

• Niagara has started their season 0-3.
• Outside hitter Katelynn Rottman leads the team with 22 kills.
• The Purple Eagles finished their 2025 season 12-15 with wins coming against Saint Peter's, Canisius and Manhattan.

 
Take a look at the 2026 schedule here.