ERIE, Pa. -- The Mercyhurst College women's varsity eight ranks second for the third consecutive week in the lastest Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association/US Rowing poll, announced Wednesday, April 28.

Western Washington remains in the top spot with five first-place votes while Barry, Philadelphia and Florida Tech round out the top five. 

The Lakers have been ranked no less than third in all six polls this season and have been ranked second for four total weeks.

Under the direction of head coach Adrian Spracklen, the team's leader since 1992, the Lakers will compete on May 1 at the Mid-America Collegiate Rowing Championship in Athens, Ohio.  Mercyhurst looks to make it four gold medals in a row at the event after winning the East Regional, the Knecht Cup and the SIRA.

Women's NCAA Division II Varsity Eights Rankings
(April 29, 2010)

1. Western Washington University
2. Mercyhurst College
3. Barry University
4. Philadelphia University
5. Florida Tech