KUTZTOWN, Pa. – The Kutztown University women's volleyball team was defeated in its Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) opener on Friday night, falling 3-0 to Mercyhurst University at Keystone Arena. 
 
The opportunity was there for KU to make a statement with a win in its conference opener as it led by three or more points in each of the three sets. However, a few timely Laker runs spoiled the Golden Bears' PSAC lid-lifter as they outpaced Kutztown by a combined three-set score of 15-8 from the 20-point mark onward. 
 
For the Maroon and Gold, Sydney Wilson (Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty) was outstanding on the defensive end, racking up 23 digs, several of which were hard attacks from Mercyhurst's front line. Holly Owen (Hatboro, Pa./Hatboro-Horsham) led the offense with 11 kills, her 10th straight match as the team's kills leader. Brittney Moyer (Orwigsburg, Pa./Blue Mountain (Lock Haven)) had an error-free evening, finishing with seven kills and hitting .389.
 
Amanda Meck (Fleetwood, Pa./Fleetwood Area) and Sarah Williams (Pikesville, Md./Home-School), in her first playing time this season, combined for 22 assists, splitting them evenly with 11 a piece. Jessica Howe (Chambersburg, Pa./Chambersburg Area) had four kills while freshmen Lilly Charlton (Landenberg, Pa./Avon Grove) and Erin Patter collected two and one kill(s), respectively.
 
As a team, KU outhit MU .160 to .151 in attacking percentage, but ended the match with just 26 kills compared to the Lakers' 38. From the service line, both teams struggled with accuracy, making a combined 19 service errors. However, Mercyhurst's six service aces were a difference maker in the match with many of them coming at critical junctures. 
 
Kuztown will welcome No. 17 Gannon University to Keystone Arena for a 1 p.m. first serve. Live stats and video via KUTV and the KU Stretch Internet Portal will be available through links accessible on the Women's Volleyball schedule page of www.kubears.com.