ERIE, Pa.- The Mercyhurst women's water polo team opens the 2014 season this weekend. The Lakers host Notre Dame College and St. Francis at the North East Aquatic Center on Saturday, February 8. Mercyhurst faces NDC at 11:15 a.m. and then takes on SFC at 5:45 p.m.
 
The Lakers won 14 games last season. Cailin Jope is the team's leading returning scorer after putting up 47 goals and 24 assists in 2013. Meagan Marques scored 28 goals and Allie Grimes compiled 39 points last year. Jesse Sworden returns in goal after starting 28 games and making 249 saves last season.
 
Notre Dame went 6-16 in 2013, including a trio of losses to Mercyhurst. The Lakers lead the all-time series, 5-1.
 
St. Francis had a 3-19 record last year. The Lakers are 2-2 all time against the Terriers.
 
Gannon is also competing at the event this weekend. The Lady Knights will face St. Francis and Notre Dame on Saturday.
 
Saturday, February 8, 2014
9:30 am             Gannon vs. St. Francis
11:15 am           Mercyhurst vs. NDC
 
4:00 pm                 NDC vs. Gannon
5:45 pm             Mercyhurst vs. St. Francis
 
Sunday, February 9, 2014
8:30 am             St. Francis vs. NDC