Richards, who also tied her career high with eight total blocks in the match, notched eight kills against only one error in the first set as Seattle U posted a .424 hitting percentage in the opening set. A block by Richards gave Seattle U a 9-4 lead early in the set, and then the Redhawks went on a 10-3 run to close out the set, punctuated by a block from Janet Beckerman (Bellevue, Wash.) and Allison Farley (Happy Valley, Ore.).
Mercer (0-4) stayed close in the second set until a 5-0 run by the Redhawks put the home team ahead, 12-8. There were seven ties and three lead changes in the middle frame, but Seattle U took the lead for good on back-to-back kills by Beckerman and closed out the set with a kill from Farley to go into the intermission ahead, 2-0.
With a kill by Beckerman to make the score 9-6 in Seattle U's favor in the third set, Mellies picked up her 3,000th career assist, becoming the second player in school history to reach that mark. Once again, Mercer did not quit, coming within one point several times late in the set, but the Redhawks secured the sweep with a kill by Sarah Jaeckel (Littleton, Colo.), a block by Beckerman, Richards, and Kelly Biette (Brighton, Colo.), and a final block by Biette and Richards.
"Jamie Mellies has worked very hard throughout her career to reach the mark she did tonight," head coach Shannon Ellis said. "I am very happy for her, and she deserves all of the accolades she has received and will potentially receive the rest of the way."
Beckerman played another solid match, picking up nine kills and four block assists while making only one attack error during the night. Farley and Julia Bonadio (Phoenix, Ariz.) earned five kills apiece, Biette finished with three kills to go along with her career high of eight total blocks, and Emily Deleissegues (Aromas, Calif.) and Megan Augustavo (Shoreline, Wash.) kept many rallies going by combining for 16 defensive digs.
Mellies collected two kills, three service aces, and six digs to go along with her 39 assists, while Bonadio added two service aces and 11 digs to the winning effort. Seattle University's hitting percentage continued its upward progression over the weekend, going from .164 against Portland State Friday night to .219 in the five-set victory over Eastern Washington earlier Saturday to .259 in the victory over Mercer.
"The team as a whole played well tonight. Mercer did not give up, they kept fighting back, but we learned how to hold a team like that off and finish a match," said Ellis.
Krista Hurley led the Bears with nine kills and two total blocks, while Aimee Frutchey collected seven kills, two service aces, 12 digs, and two block assists. Mercer libero Charlotte Harris led all players with 17 defensive digs, and setters Bridget Sheerin and Carly Iannarino combined for 25 assists during the contest.
Seattle University (2-1) embarks on its first road trip of the season, heading to Tempe, Ariz., to participate in the ASU Sheraton Classic next Friday and Saturday, Sept. 3-4. The Redhawks will face Arizona State, Utah State, and San Diego State before heading home for a Labor Day contest against the Oregon Ducks at the Connolly Center Monday, Sept. 6, at 6 p.m.