ERIE, Pa. - The Mercyhurst University women's water polo team played its first home contest of the 2015 season and came away with a 14-11 victory over visiting Washington & Jefferson on Sunday afternoon at Penn State Behrend. The Lakers improved to 4-5 overall on the season.

The difference in the match came in the first period when Mercyhurst outscored Washington & Jefferson by a 4-1 count. The Presidents cut the Laker lead to 6-5 at the halftime break. Mercyhurst, however, outscored Washington & Jefferson, 4-3, in each of the final two periods for the final margin of victory.

Freshman Kennedy Watson continued a torrid start to her rookie season after scoring a team-high three goals and three assists on Sunday. Fellow freshman Katie Appell also tallied three goals and added one helper in the victory.

Junior Annie Blackman scored twice, had two assists, and led the Lakers with a game-high four steals. Sophomores Vicky Arciniega and Jena Clinch also scored twice while junior Alyeese Utech and sophomore Becky Insalaco also scored in the victory.

Junior goalkeeper Jesse Sworden posted eight saves, one assist, and four steals for the Lakers in goal.

Mercyhurst will compete at the Hartwick Open next Saturday, March 14, and will play three games - against Brown University at 9:45 a.m., Connecticut College at 2:15 p.m., and Siena College at 8:00 p.m.