Erie, Pa.—Mercyhurst Women's Soccer had never won a PSAC regular season championship since joining the PSAC in 2008. That changed on Saturday night. The Lakers defeated Cal (Pa.) 3-0 to clinch the PSAC West Regular Season Championship.
How it Happened
Emily Mijares opened the scoring in the 28th minute as Sydney Snyder picked up an assist on the play. Snyder played the ball into the box from about 35 yards out and Mijares beat her defender to the ball and headed it past the keeper.
The Lakers had a 18-1 shot lead after the first 45 with nine Laker shots finding the goal. Maddie Elbro needed to make just one save in the opening half.
Mijares wasn't done, in the 63rd minute she once again used her speed and beat the defender to middle as Dani Hartman crossed the ball into the box. Mijares made no mistake putting into the back of the net.
The Lakers weren't done yet either. Lauren Casey put the game on ice as she scored her fifth goal of the season in the 82nd minute. Casey and Safia Paraiso forced the turnover just outside the box. Casey took a couple steps and blasted it just under the top woodwork to give the Lakers a 3-0 lead.
Elbro needed to make jus tone save in the second half as she earned the clean sheet.
We Are Rolling
Mercyhurst started their season 1-2-1. After that the Lakers won 12 of their next 14 games which includes winning their last six regular season games. Mijares has been a goal scoring machine as she has scored nine goals in those six games.
It's Been A While
Mercyhurst finished the season with 37 total points which is the most they have ever recorded since joining the PSAC. This is also the first time the Lakers will be a number one seed in a PSAC Playoff. Mercyhurst won their lone PSAC Conference Championship in 2008 when they finished with 28 points and were second in the PSAC West at the end of the regular season.
What the Players are Saying
What Coach is Saying
"We are excited for sure, I am so proud of the seniors and this squad" Head Coach Jon Arlet said. "These Lakers are on to something and our next job is quite serious for us."
A New Season Starts Tuesday
The Lakers open the PSAC Playoffs on Tuesday as they will host the Edinboro Fighting Scots. Mercyhurst went 1-1-0 against Edinboro this season which includes a 2-1 double overtime victory on the road in early October.
