Erie, Pa - Mercyhurst Women's Soccer continues their season with two games this week. They host Seton Hill on Wednesday, September 14^th. Then they travel to California, PA on Saturday, September 17^th to take on Cal (PA).
 
History Lesson
The Lakers resume PSAC West play on Wednesday with the matchup against the Griffins. During the 2021 season Mercyhurst recorded one win and one loss against them. In the last game the Lakers dominated their opponents, winning the game by a score of 4-0. Emily Mijares had a spectacular performance recording a hat-trick. Karah Van Horn also added one goal.
 
The matchup with Cal (PA) is set to be another challenge for the Lakers. The last time the Vulcans defeated Mercyhurst was in 2017. The Lakers currently hold a five-game winning streak against Cal (PA) and look to extend that streak this Saturday.
 
Staying Ready
Mercyhurst comes in the week with a 3-1-1 record. They defeated UPJ by a score of 2-0, but they tied with Slippery Rock, 1-1. In five games played so far by the Lakers, they scored seven goals. They play with great effort and average as many as 16 shots per game, with 53% of them on target. The Lakers create many scoring situations, but they struggle with finishing them. They are looking to improve on that aspect of the game this week.
 
Individual Success
Mijares has led the charge in 2022 campaign. Despite starting in only one match this season, she had a great impact on the team, scoring three goals and creating many scoring opportunities for the Lakers. Van Horn scored a goal in the game against Slippery Rock,her second  of the season. Both Amber Thomas and Madison Hoover recorded two assists, creating opportunities for their teammates. Maddie Elbro recorded 16 saves and two clean sheets so far. She also saved a penalty kick in the game against Edinboro.
 
Depth
As many as 20 players saw action in Slippery Rock game for the Lakers. The coaching staff can trust multiple players and give them valuable minutes on the field. That kind of depth is set to be the key to a good performance through long season. With the creation of Women's Reserve Team in 2019, Mercyhurst takes necessary steps to provide multiple players with game experience, which will pay off in the future.
 
Scouting The Opponents
The matchup with Seton Hill is set to be a great challenge for the Lakers offense. The Griffins haven't allowed a goal so far this season, and they are coming into the game with 3-0-2 record. They also boast 1-0-2 record in the PSAC, as they defeated Clarion, and tied with Slippery Rock and Edinboro. Junior Madison Carr is the person to keep an eye on, as she scored three goals this season.
 
Cal (PA) is coming into this week with 1-2-1 record. They tied with IUP, lost to Clarion and recently defeated UPJ for their first win of the season. The Vulcans scored only two goals and average nine taken shots per game. Juliana Cruz and Elisabeth Engle scored one goal each, the Lakers need to ensure they are covered on Saturday.
 
Seton Hill game is scheduled for 1:00 pm on Wednesday, September 14^th at the Mercyhurst Soccer Field. Whereas the match against Cal-U is set for 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 17^th in California, PA.