INDIANA, Pa. – Nicole Peterson and Gia Cannavino combined for 28 kills while the IUP defense tallied 15 blocks but the Crimson Hawks didn't prevail in a four-set loss to Mercyhurst Friday at the Kovalchick Complex.
 
Peterson hit .333 for the match and posted her fourth straight outing of double-digit kills in the loss. Cannavino had her finest performance of the season with 13 kills and posted a double-double with 10 digs to go along with two total blocks.
 
Mercyhurst took the first two sets 25-22 and 25-23 with IUP coming back with a 25-18 third set victory. The Lakers clinched the win with a 25-20 decision in the fourth.
 
The Crimson Hawks dropped to 6-17 overall and 5-9 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). Mercyhurst improved to 15-12 and 7-9.
 
IUP hit .211 for the match, including .344 during its third-set victory. Peterson and Cannavino had four kills apiece during the winning set.
 
Jasmine Raudys led the way defensively for the Crimson Hawks with a season-high five solo blocks plus one block assist. She hit .455 with six kills to finish with 12.5 points. Jessica Ignace added nine kills and three total blocks. Dominica Niccolai dished out 35 assists in getting the majority of the work at setter.
 
Up next
The Crimson Hawks continue their three-match weekend Saturday as they host Senior Day at the Kovalchick Complex. Ignace and junior Niccolai, who is graduating early, will be honored prior to the 1 p.m. match against Edinboro.
 
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For up-to-date game information, visit IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP women's volleyball on Twitter @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUPVB.