During the Lakers game against IUP, sophomore Lauren Kenny (13) had nine kills and three blocks. Contributing to the sweep over: Salina Bowe

The Mercyhurst volleyball team swept its weekend games against Clarion University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

On Friday, Oct. 31, the Lakers defeated Clarion 3-2. The next day they defeated IUP 3-0.

After the weekend, the team increased its overall record to 18-10 and their PSAC record to 13-7. The Lakers are ranked sixth in the NCAA Atlantic Regional Rankings this week.

During Saturday’s game, the Lakers led two sets to one over Clarion until the Golden Eagles rallied back in the fourth to tie the set.

In the fifth set, the Lakers were able to pull through to a victory. The game was intense throughout the fifth set, the score was close the whole time.

The Lakers won with scores of 14-25, 25-22, 25-19, 19-25 and 15-11.

Junior Lexi Stefanov scored 18 points and senior Rachel Crittle scored 14.

Junior Kelly Vitt had 44 assists and leading in digs was sophomore Samantha Gardina with 20.

The women came back on Saturday, just as determined to win.

This game was senior night and the final home game for the Lakers. The women won with scores of 25-12, 25-9 and 25-20.

Seniors on the team include Camille Alvarez, Rachel Crittle and Tai Lattimore.

In the first two sets, the Lakers kept the point distance far, never letting Clarion take the lead. Many Clarion errors in the second set helped keep the Lakers in the lead.

During the third set, all players got to see action. Thirteen different players scored points.

Alvarez led in kills for this game with six, and she also had one block.

Vitt lead the team with 16 assists and sophomore Hannah Tombaugh had six assists.

Gardina lead with 11 digs.

The Lakers will travel for their last two regular season PSAC games. First, to Seton Hill University on Nov. 7, then to California University of Pennsylvania on Nov. 8.