ERIE, Pa. -- The Mercyhurst College women's rowing team has been ranked third in the latest Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association/US Rowing poll, announced Wednesday, March 31.

Western Washington remains in the top spot with six first-place votes. Barry advanced to the No. 2 ranking after being unranked in the preseason poll. Mercyhurst fell one spot to third in the most recent rankings. Seattle Pacific and Nova Southeastern are tied for fourth place, as Philadelphia University and Dowling College fell out of the top five

Under the direction of head coach Adrian Spracklen, the team's leader since 1992, the Lakers will open the 2010 season at the Knecht Cup in Cherry Hill, N.J., on Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11 .

Women's NCAA Division II Varsity Eights 

Team (1st-Place Votes) Points Previous Week
1. Western Washington University (5) 25 1
2. Barry University 18 NR
3. Mercyhurst College 14 2
4t. Seattle Pacific University 7 3
4t. Nova Southeastern 7 NR
Not Ranked But Receiving Votes: Philadelphia University 3 and Florida Tech 1.