Indianapolis, Ind. – The Mercyhurst women's soccer team has been ranked No. 6 in the latest Atlantic Regional poll, as released Wednesday, Oct. 14 by the NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Committee. The Lakers hold the same position as they did in last week's rankings.

The NCAA regional polls determine the participants for the NCAA national tournament. Six teams from each region qualify for the national tournament. The champions from the PSAC and WVIAC tournaments each receive an automatic berth into the tournament, with the next four teams receiving at-large bids. The final NCAA regional poll will be released Nov. 4. The field for the national tournament will be announced Nov. 9.

The Lakers, rated No. 6 in the Atlantic Region, are 8-4-1, 5-2-1 in the PSAC West this season. The team is in third place in the PSAC West and has gone 8-2-1 in the last 11 games, including a 5-0 victory over Mansfield Sunday, Oct. 11. Senior Taylor Hilinski leads the team with seven goals and 15 points, while Freshman Danielle Braun has scored three goals and added four assists for 10 points. Freshman keeper Amanda John has posted a 1.17 goals against average and two shutouts, while Rachel Griepsma has also registered two shutouts.

Each of the top six teams from the Atlantic Region belong to teams in the PSAC. West Chester is first in the region with an 11-1-1 in-region record, followed by Kutztown at 9-2-2. Indiana (Pa.), California (Pa.), East Stroudsburg and Mercyhurst round out the top six teams. Slippery Rock, Gannon, Davis & Elkins and Edinboro occupy the seventh through 10th positions.

For complete regional rankings, please click here.

The Lakers play at Lock Haven Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 3 p.m. A live audio broadcast will be available during the contest by following this link.