Erie, Pa. – Mercyhurst University Women's Soccer opens their season this week with games on Thursday, August 31st, and Saturday, September 2nd. The Lakers travel to Canton, Oh. to take on Walsh University for a mid-week contest before heading back to Erie for their home opener against Bloomsburg University. The Lakers are coming off a 10-6-4 record and once again look to compete for a PSAC title. 

Despite falling short in 2022, with a loss to West Chester University in the PSAC semi-final, Head Coach Rich Wall is confident in his team's ability to further their success in 2023. 

"As far as the past is concerned, this is truly a new era for our program. The previous coaches have left a positive mark regarding on-field success, which I'm grateful for, but we still have room for taking the program another notch further. It starts with our players' belief, self-confidence, and execution in key moments of each match. If we can be consistent in those areas, we can be very successful." 

Walsh University is coming off of a solid season themselves, posting a 9-7-3 record in 2022. The Cavaliers are led by Sophomore Katie Corrigan, who had a team high eleven goals last season.  

Their second matchup of the week doesn't get any easier, as Bloomsburg makes their way to Erie coming off a 14-5-2 season, and a trip to the PSAC semi-finals. In their lone match against the Huskies last season, the Lakers lost a defensive battle 1-0.  

Ahead of this week's matchups, Mercyhurst will rely on their top talent from a season ago in Taryn Baxter and Karah Van Horn. Baxter leads the charge in her fifth season, playing in front of goalkeeper, Maddie Elbro. Van Horncalso looks to pick up where she left off offensively, as they team top offensive weapon.  

Coach Wall and his staff love what they've seen this pre-season and can't wait for opening week: "We are excited, encouraged by the squad top to bottom. Obviously, having key returners to lead the way is wonderful, but the depth is excellent in every position heading into the season. Our staff believes that there are both returning players and new additions that have the potential for breakout seasons this fall."