Erie, Pa. - The Mercyhurst women's soccer team opens PSAC West play Wednesday, hosting cross town rival Gannon at 3 p.m. The series has gotten tighter the past few seasons, with one total goal separating the teams in the last four meetings.

Mercyhurst and Gannon have played against each other every season since the inception of their respective programs in 1987. The Lakers have won 21 out of 25 matches, with the other four ending in a draw. The last three meetings have gone the distance, resulting in a tie each time.

Last season produced one of the most memorable matches of the series, as the teams fought to a 2-2 draw Sept. 23 at Mercyhurst Soccer Field. Courtney Rowan's goal at the end of the first half stood as the only tally until a frenetic final 2:05 produced three goals. Sarah Powell tied the score at 1-1 at 87:55, and gave the Lakers a 2-1 lead with just 31 seconds left in regulation. Gannon's Amanda Sharbaugh tied the match at two goals apiece with only six seconds remaining on the clock. The teams played two scoreless overtime periods for a draw.

The two teams played to a 0-0 tie on Gannon's Senior Night Oct. 28, 2008, a night which saw a variety of adverse weather conditions affect play.

Mercyhurst comes into play Wednesday with a 0-2 record, falling to Kutztown and Urbana by one goal apiece. Freshman Danielle Braun scored a goal in her first game Friday, a feat achieved most recently by Sarah Powell and Lisa Melander in 2005. Freshman Amanda John has started twice in goal with a 1.49 goals against average. The Lakers have been predicted to finish second in the PSAC West preseason poll after winning the PSAC tournament championship in 2008.

Gannon, receiving votes in the first regulat-season NSCAA national poll, brings a 1-0 record into the matchup with Mercyhurst. The Golden Knights shut out W. Va. Wesleyan 2-0 Friday, Aug. 28. Sharbaugh scored both goals, assisted by freshman Tenyka Francique on each. Sabrina Chirco recorded the shutout. Gannon was selected third in the PSAC West preseason poll following 2008's PSAC West regular season title.

Wednesday's match opens a seven-game stretch of consecutive divisional matches. The Lakers host five PSAC West teams out of the next seven contests to round out the first rotation of divisional play.