Lock Haven, Pa. - The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference released their conference preseason poll for the 2023 season with the Lakers finding themselves third in the PSAC West. Mercyhurst comes off a season in which they finished 10-6-4 overall while going 8-4-4 in the conference, advancing to the second round of the PSAC tournament. They'll look for more success this time around as they look to make it to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2021.

Mercyhurst returns some of their top talent from a season ago, helping their veteran leadership propels them to the top of the PSAC. The team had six all-conference honorees in 2022 and have four of them returning with the reigning PSAC West Defensive Athlete of the Year, Taryn Baxter leading the charge in her fifth season. Mercyhurst's top goal scorer a season ago, Karah Van Horn, also returns for her junior year while a two-time All-PSAC honoree in Maddie Elbro mans the net for the Lakers, giving them strong presences across the field.

In addition to their already-established talent, Mercyhurst adds 10 newcomers to the fold for the 2023 season. The Lakers look to replenish their talent with nine freshman, hoping to make their mark in year one in Erie.

Mercyhurst begins their season on August 31st as they hit the road to take on Walsh University at 1:00 p.m. before returning to Erie for their home opener on September 2nd when the Lakers host Bloomsburg. For a look at the full poll, click here.