ERIE, Pa.- The Mercyhurst volleyball team opens the 2013 season at the Falcon Fest hosted by Fairmont State this weekend. On Friday, September 6, the Lakers play Ursuline at 1:30 p.m. and the host Falcons at 6:30 p.m. The next day, Mercyhurst faces West Liberty at 9 a.m. and West Virginia Wesleyan at 2 p.m.
 
Coach Ryan Patton's squad won 25 matches last season, qualifying for the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2009. The Lakers lost several key players, but return Sarah Vick and Camille Alvarez, who combined for 393 kills in 2012. Nicole Texido is back after recording 262 digs and 37 aces last year.
 
Ursuline went 7-30 last season, but returns every player on its roster for 2013. The Arrows were picked to finish sixth in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC) preseason poll. Alex Leister and Kelly Stenger were both All-GMAC Second Team in 2012. The Lakers won 3-1 against the Arrows last season.
 
Fairmont won 24 matches in 2012, finishing fourth in the final season of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC). The Falcons return every starter as they join the newly-formed Mountain East Conference (MEC) in 2013. They were selected to finish second in the MEC preseason poll. Bri Swann returns after earning All-WVIAC First Team last season.
 
West Liberty had a 14-15 mark in 2012. The 14 wins were the most by a Hilltopper squad since 2000. It was voted sixth in the MEC preseason poll. Michaela Hawkins returns after recording 231 kills last year.
 
West Virginia Wesleyan went 10-20 last season. It was voted fifth in the MEC preseason poll. Erin Bond is back, having totaled 301 kills and 82 blocks in 2012. Mercyhurst swept a home match against WVSU on September 14 last season.