The Southern New Hampshire University men's soccer team took care of business on its home turf Sunday, defeating Merrimack, 1-0, in the NCAA Division II soccer tournament, and now the Penmen can enjoy more home cooking for the regional playoffs.

Third-round action begins Friday at SNHU as third-seeded Mercyhurst University (15-5-1) plays top-seeded Gannon University (13-5) at 2:30 p.m. at Larkin Field. Both schools are located in Erie, Pa.

The second-seeded Penmen (18-3) host fourth-seeded UMass Lowell (14-6-1) at 6 p.m. in the East Regionals. Friday's winners meet on Sunday at 1 p.m. The regional champ advances to the national semifinals in Evans, Ga., on Nov. 29.

Ticket prices at SNHU are $6 for adults, $2 for students with ID and seniors and $2.00 for children 12 and under. SNHU students will be admitted free each day the Penmen are participating, courtesy of the SNHU Student Government Association.

A successful penalty kick by SNHU's Chris Tsonis lifted the Penmen past Merrimack in Sunday's playoff action.

The Penmen were awarded a penalty kick when Tsonis was hauled down in the penalty area by a Warrior defender with 13:42 remaining in regulation. Tsonis buried the kick into the lower left corner of the net for his team-high 15th goal of the season.

SNHU has twice beaten UMass Lowell this season, including a 2-0 victory in the Northeast-10 Conference semifinals on Nov. 2.