WEST CHESTER, Pa. -- The Mercyhurst women's volleyball team will open the 2021 season with four games at Ram Fest hosted by West Chester University Friday and Saturday.
The Games
The Lakers will open on Friday at 4 p.m. against Jefferson before taking on Millersville at 6 p.m. Mercyhurst will play at 12 p.m. on Saturday against Goldey-Beacom and finish with host West Chester at 2 p.m.
Returning Experience
The Lakers return an experienced group with 13 juniors and seniors on the 2021 roster. Mercyhurst didn't have a traditional fall season in 2020, but were able to get on the court for 10 games in the spring of 2021. In 2019, Hannah Vuylsteke ranked 14th in Division II with 5.81 digs per set. Madison Kasper recorded over 200 kills in 2019 ranking fourth on the team.
Road Trip
This is the Lakers first trip to West Chester since they visited for a PSAC match against the Rams on Nov. 4, 2017.
2020-21 Recap
The Lakers didn't play in the fall of 2020 due to CoVID-19 shutdown, but did get 10 games in the spring of 2021. Mercyhurst played eight of their 10 games against PSAC West foes Gannon and Clarion who were picked atop the 2021 Preseason Coaches' Poll.
Preseason Coaches Poll
The Lakers were selected fourth in the annual PSAC West Preseason Coaches' Poll. The conference returned to an East and West format for the first time since 2015. The Lakers will open conference play on Sept. 24 against Slippery Rock.
