Erie, Pa. – The Mercyhurst University Women's Soccer team returns to action Thursday, August 25th, in the Lakers season opener against Bloomsburg. The matchup between the Lakers and Huskies is a rematch of last season's PSAC Semifinals with Bloomsburg coming out ahead 2-0. Mercyhurst looks to avenge that loss in their first test of the 2022 campaign with action set to kick off at 1:00 p.m. at Steph Petit Stadium in Bloomsburg, Pa.
1. A Look Back
The Lakers finished last season with a 14-6-1 overall record and a 12-3-1 mark in conference play to earn first place in the PSAC West. Mercyhurst won their first PSAC Tournament contest since 2018 in the quarterfinals, defeating Edinboro, and continued to make program history with their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2008. After graduating just three players from last year's team, the Lakers look to repeat their success from a season ago and are in good position to do so.
2. Familiar Faces
Mercyhurst returns all five of their All-PSAC honorees from last season, making for a strong returning core for the 2022 campaign. The reigning Rookie and Athlete of the Year, Emily Mijares, looks to make a major impact once again after leading the Lakers in goals with 15 a year ago. She will be joined by Maddie Elbro who earned PSAC Western Division's Defensive Player of the Year for her work in the goal.
3. Moving On Up
The Lakers are led into battle by fifth-year head coach Jon Arlet. The Erie, Pa. native and McDowell High School graduate is coming off his best season as the head coach of the Lakers after winning 14 games in 2021. Mercyhurst has seen their win totals climb each full season under Arlet's direction. The Wheeling Jesuit graduate won eight games in his inaugural season before compiling an 11-6-2 mark in 2019 while leading the Lakers to their first regular season conference championship in 2021.
4. Fresh Faces
The Lakers welcome 12 new faces. Incoming freshman are going to learn from experienced teammates, such as returning Amber Thomas, Alyssa Otto, and Taryn Baxter who all return. Transition to college soccer is not always easy, but coach Arlet is confident in their ability to adapt. New players are set to positively impact winning and be the team's foundation for the years to come.
5. Scouting Bloomsburg
The Huskies went 16-5-2 last season while winning the PSAC Championship and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Two of the three top scorers for the Huskies return this season. Abby Groff scored five times and added three assists as a junior. Paige Harris also returns after a four goal and four assist fourth season. Alexa Ryan is back in the cage for the Huskies after playing every minute last year, she had a .55 goals against average as a sophomore.
Following the season opener the Lakers jump into conference play on Aug. 31 against Edinboro at home.
