Lock Haven, Pa.—The Mercyhurst Women's Soccer team was selected first in the annual PSAC West Preseason Coaches' poll. The Lakers garnered four first place votes while Gannon earned three and Slippery Rock two.
This is the first time in program history that the Lakers have been picked first in the PSAC preseason poll. Last year the Lakers were tabbed for second which was the highest selection since 2009 when they were also ranked second.
Last year the Lakers won the PSAC West regular season championship after going 12-3-1 in PSAC West play. Mercyhurst finished the season with a 14-6-1 record and earned their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2008.
The Lakers return all five of their top point getters from last season including Emily Mijares who led the team in goals with 15 and points with 33. She was named PSAC West Athlete of the Year and Rookie of the Year and was an All-Region selection. Maddie Elbro also returns to the net for the Lakers after recording 10 clean sheets and being named PSAC West Defender of the Year.
Mercyhurst opens the season on August 25th against Bloomsburg before returning home for the PSAC West and home opener against Edinboro on Aug. 31.
