Erie, Pa – Mercyhurst Softball is gearing up for the 2023 season as they are scheduled to travel to Tucson, Az. and participate in the DII Cactus Classic. The Lakers are set to play two games against Franklin Pierce on Thursday, February 16th. They follow that with games against Simon Fraser and Georgian Court on Friday, February 17th, and Western Oregon and Minnesota-Crookston on Saturday, February 18th.
 
1. A Look Back
The Lakers return to action after a historic 2022 campaign, where they set the program's record with 32 wins and received their first NCAA Tournament bid in the program's history.  With a 10-6 league record, the squad finished third in PSAC West Standings and made a run in the conference tournament. Despite an early lead, the Lakers fell to Kutztown in their first ever PSAC Championship game, 7-4. With a season that successful the Lakers are entering the new year with high expectations, as they ranked first in the 2023 PSAC Preseason Poll.
 
2. Familiar Faces
Mercyhurst returns a well-balanced group of players, led by a senior, Madison Fry. All of the PSAC award winners from the 2022 season are also returning for this year, bringing in a lot of valuable experience. Marisa Cartellone, Allison Dejidas, Morgan Hilty, and Fry were all named to the PSAC West First Team while Cheyenne Hindman was named to the PSAC West Second Team. Despite dealing with injuries last season, Fry has been also named to the D2CCA All-Region Second Team as a catcher and led the team in batting average with a .505. She also notched a team-high 56 hits despite playing in just 31 games for the Lakers. Dejidas registered a team-high eight home runs and 45 RBIs for the Lakers. She also finished the year with four stolen bases and a .557 slugging %.
 
3. New Faces
Mercyhurst softball welcomed four talented newcomers to the roster for the 2023 season in Francesca Latino, Karlie Kasten, Alexandra Acosta-Reyes, and Alexa North. The coaching staff is confident that the combination of their veteran leadership and the new talent makes for a successful and exciting season.
 
4. Coaching Staff
The Lakers are led into the battle by Head Coach Leanne Baker, who has been named PSAC West Coach of the Year for two straight seasons. It's her 10th year with the program and she is joined by Volunteer Assistant Coach Shannon Minihane, and Graduate Assistant Olivia Kincanon. Coach Baker is excited for the season and mentioned that: "The team has been working hard all semester. We are eager to get back on the game field in Arizona and the rest of our season as well. It will be an exciting year two on our beautiful ball field."
 
5. Upcoming Challenges
After the DII Cactus Classic, the Lakers are scheduled to travel to Mount Olive, NC to take on University of Mount Olive and West Liberty on Saturday, March 4th. They follow that with a trip to Glenville, WV to take on Glenville, Frostburg State, and Ohio Dominican starting on Saturday, March 11th.