Erie, Pa. - The Mercyhurst Women's Lacrosse team is set to open their 2024 season this Friday when they host Grand Valley State.   

History Lesson 

The only matchup between these two teams happened a year ago in Allendale, Michigan.  Grand Valley State won 17-2.  Marlee Antinora and Whitley Easton scored the two Mercyhurst goals.   

A Look at the Opponent 

Grand Valley State is coming off a 16-5 overall record and a 6-0 record in the GLIAC as season ago.  The Lakers won the GLIAC regular season title and the GLIAC tournament with an 11-10 win over Northern Michigan.  The Lakers made a run to the National Semifinal in the NCAA tournament after wins over Regis and UIndy, before falling to West Chester.  The Lakers lost their top four scorers from a season ago, but return Sydney Stone, who was fourth on the team in goals with 32.  They also returned their top two goaltenders from a season ago, Sarah Krause and Kaylyn Carter.       

A Season Ago 

The Lakers are coming off a 9-9 season overall and a 6-6 record in the PSAC.  In the PSAC tournament, the Lakers beat IUP 11-10, before falling to West Chester in the semifinals 18-6.     

New Leadership 

The Lakers will be under new leadership this season as Lindsay Weaver takes over as head coach of the Women's Lacrosse program.  Weaver will be assisted by Sarah Farley, who also begins her first season with the program. 

New Team 

The Lakers return third leading scorer Whitley Easton, who finished the season with 23 goals and 13 assists.  The Lakers also returned goaltender Paige Maneri who started 14 games for them a season ago while going 7-4 with 113 saves.  It will be a young team on the field this season as the Lakers have 14 freshman, and 10 sophomores.  The veteran leadership on this team will look to guide the young players in the right direction throughout the season.