ERIE, Pa.- The Mercyhurst field hockey team opens its 2011 schedule with two games this weekend. The Lakers travel to Saint Charles, Missouri, to take on Lindenwood Friday and then head to Louisville, Kentucky, to play Bellarmine on Saturday. The game at Lindenwood begins at  4 p.m., while the Bellarmine contests starts at 1 p.m.
 
Last season, Lindenwood went 6-7 as an independent.  The Lady Lions have a first-year coach in Sarah Johnson. Bellarmine went 15-3 in 2010. Junior Rachael Walz led the Knights in goals and assists last year.
 
Hurst won five games last season. Seniors Rachel Sluberski and Serena Slattery were All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) in 2010. They were picked to finish tied for fifth in the PSAC Western Division this year.