ERIE, Pa.- The Mercyhurst women's water polo team heads to Virginia to play four games this weekend. The Lakers will compete in the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) Invitational on Friday, February 28 and Saturday, March 1.
 
Mercyhurst will face crosstown rival Gannon on Friday at 6:20 p.m. On Saturday, the Lakers play Washington and Jefferson at 8 a.m., VMI at 12:20 p.m., and Grove City College at 5:40 p.m.
 
The Lakers are 2-0 this season. They beat Notre Dame College, 12-5, and St. Francis College, 11-5, on February 8 at the North East Aquatic Center. Cailin Jope scored eight goals, while Aleeyse Utech recorded five goals and three assists. Jena Clinch was named Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Southern Division Rookie of the Week after putting up three goals and three assists in the two outings.
 
Gannon is 1-1 entering this weekend. It lost, 13-10, to St. Francis before defeating Notre Dame, 21-10, at the North East Aquatic Center February 8. Katelyn Jacobs tallied seven goals in the two matches to lead the Lady Knights.
 
W&J has yet to play in 2014. Last season, the Presidents went 11-16, including a 12-4 loss to Mercyhurst on March 9. Rachel Clauss led W&J with 36 goals, while Sara Boldt added 34 goals on the year.
 
VMI has an 0-3 record this season. It lost all three of its matches at the Princeton Tournament February 8. Molly Andoe leads the Keydets with seven goals, including four against Harvard.
 
Grove City will open its season this weekend. In 2013, the Wolverines went 12-9, with a pair of losses coming to Mercyhurst.
 
For the complete VMI Invitational schedule, please click here.