EDINBORO, Pa. — The Mercyhurst women's basketball team was ranked seventh on the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West Division preseason coaches' poll. Edinboro took the top spot with five first-votes. Indiana (Pa.) was second with four first-place votes and California (Pa.) was third.
 
The Lakers are coming off of a 10-18 season (8-14 PSAC) and will look to bounce back with five returning starters and also a key transfer from Cleveland State Nicolete Newman.
 
Maria Lapertosa and Emilee Norris are your returning starting seniors along with juniors Stephanie petery, Lauren Lapertosa and sophomore Emily Shopene.

East                                                                                                            
1) Edinboro (5)
2) IUP (4)
3) California
4) Slippery Rock
5) Gannon
6) Seton Hill
7) Mercyhurst
8) Pitt-Johnstown 
9) Clarion
 
West
1) Kutztown (5)
2) East Stroudsburg (2)
3) West Chester
4) Bloomsburg (1)
5) Millersville
6) Shippensburg
7) Lock Haven 
8) Mansfield