Erie, Pa.—The Mercyhurst Women's Soccer Team closes out the regular season this week with games against IUP and Cal (PA).
The Matchups
Mercyhurst and the Crimson Hawks have been playing since 1987 with Mercyhurst taking the first nine games. In their 27 matches the Lakers are 15-9-3 against IUP. The Lakers defeated IUP at home on Oct. 2 by a score of 3-1. Emily Mijares scored twice while Teagan Mehalko scored the third Laker goal.
Cal and Mercyhurst have played 18 times dating back to 1996. The Lakers are 11-7-1 against the Vulcans all-time and have won the last four games. Earlier this season, Mercyhurst beat Cal 2-1 while Amber Thomas and Mijares scored for the Lakers.
Win Streaks Are Fun
The Lakers enter the week with a four game winning streak. With their 1-0 win over Clarion on Saturday, the Lakers clinched a spot in the PSAC playoffs.
During the win streak the Lakers have outscored their opponents 8-1 while allowing just 10 shots on goal.
Mijares has led the way for the Lakers as she has scored six goals in the four games while netting a hat-trick against Seton Hill last Wednesday. She leads the PSAC in game-winning goals while also being sixth in the country in game winning goals (six).
Regional Rankings
Last Wednesday the NCAA released their first regional rankings. The Lakers found their name fifth while also being the highest ranking PSAC West team. Gannon, Slippery Rock, and IUP were sixth, eighth, and ninth respectively.
PSAC Playoff Picture
Slippery Rock, Gannon, and Mercyhurst have all clinched a spot in the playoffs while Edinboro and IUP fight for the final spot. The Lakers can move into first place with two wins and a Slippery Rock win or tie against Gannon on Saturday. The Rock and Lakers would both have 37 points if the Rock won but the Lakers hold the tie-breaker over Slippery Rock due to sweeping Slippery Rock this season. If Gannon wins both their games over Clarion and Slippery Rock they would take PSAC West regular season championship with 38 points.
Up Next
The Lakers will start the PSAC playoffs next Tuesday with the semi-finals starting on Friday and the PSAC Championship on Sunday. The highest remaining team in the East will host the PSAC Championship and semi-final.
