Erie, Pa. – The No. 4 Mercyhurst College men's lacrosse team landed three players on the 2009 Preseason All-America squad, released in Inside Lacrosse's 2009 Face-Off Year Book. Seniors Jason LaShomb and Matt Spahr were named to the first team while senior Mike Thon earned a spot on the second team.

LaShomb, a goalkeeper from Rush, N.Y., makes his second appearance on the preseason first team after leading the Lakers to a 9-4 record last season. He made 125 saves while accumulating a .601 save percentage and a 6.52 goals against average. Following the season, he was named USILA Goalie of the Year, First Team All-American and a First Team All-East Coast Conference performer.

Spahr, a defenseman from Media, Pa., joins LaShomb on the first team after being named to the second team prior to the 2008 campaign. Spahr led the Lakers with 15 caused turnovers and ranked third with 35 ground balls. He also contributed on offense, scoring the game-winning goal against Queens on Feb. 23, 2008. For his efforts, he was tabbed a Second Team All-American and a First Team All-East Coast Conference selection.

Thon, a midfielder from Penfield, N.Y., also repeats as a preseason All-American, moving up from honorable mention to second team. During the 2008 season, Thon added 25 goals and six assists for 25 points while contributing 37 ground balls and three caused turnovers. He was also the team-leader in face-offs, winning 58 of his 128 decisions. After the season, he awarded a spot on the Honorable Mention All-American Team as well as the title of First Team All-East Coast Conference.

Mercyhurst kicks off the 2009 season on Sunday, Feb. 8 with a scrimmage against Division I Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Ind.