Erie, Pa.— This Saturday the Mercyhurst Women's Soccer team will face Gannon University for the second time this season. They will play at home, at Saxon Stadium, at 4 pm. The last time these two rivals played it resulted in a 0-0 tie even after double overtime.
The Matchup
The Lakers and Golden Knights have battled 39 times dating back to 1987. Mercyhurst is 25-9-5 against their cross-town rivals all-time despite Gannon winning six of the last 10 games.
Last Time Out
Last Friday, the Lakers opposed Edinboro on the road. Lauren Casey started off the scoring in the first 5 minutes for the Lakers with an assist from Emily Mijares. The Fighting Scots came back in the last ten minutes of regulation to tie the game. Amber Thomas scored the golden goal during the second overtime, giving the Lakers another three points for the win. Maddie Elbro played for the Lakers in goal, with many crucial saves during a critical game.
WE. ARE. ROLLING.
The Lakers have won their last four games which were all vital PSAC West games. The streak started on Sept. 29 against Clarion, Mercyhurst followed the 4-0 win with a 3-1 win over IUP on Oct. 2. The next week the streak continued as the Lakers defeated Cal 2-1 on the road and the huge double overtime win against Edinboro.
Is That A Brick Wall?
Elbro has been nearly unbeatable this season as she ranks fourth in the PSAC in goals against average (.69). That number is also tops in the PSAC West. She is also fourth in the PSAC in save percentage and second in the west with a .849.
Playoff Picture
The Lakers have just seven games remaining and currently sit in third place in the PSAC West standings. The top four teams in each division make the postseason. As of today, Slippery Rock sits in first with 22 points, Gannon second (20 points), Mercyhurst and IUP third (19 points), Edinboro fifth (18 points), Clarion sixth (10 points), Seton Hill and UPJ eighth (7 points), and Cal ninth (6 points).
Scouting Gannon
The Golden Knights enter the game with a 6-2-2 record and 6-2-2 in PSAC West play. Their only losses came to Seton Hill and Slippery Rock. Gannon has won their last two games, defeating UPJ on Oct. 9 and Seton Hill on Oct. 13. Taylor Lewis leads Gannon in goals (5) and points (12). In net Kennedy Solymosi has played eight of the ten games and has made 32 saves while allowing nine goals.
Up Next
The Lakers host Slippery Rock on Oct. 20 and head to UPJ on Oct. 23 for a match with the Mountain Cats.
