ERIE, PA - The Mercyhurst Women's Basketball team, led by head coach Erin Mills-Reid, is thrilled to announce their schedule for the highly anticipated 2026-27 season. Building off an impressive campaign last year where the team earned a WNIT berth and secured the 2nd seed in the NEC Tournament, the Lakers are set to take on a challenging lineup of opponents while enjoying the benefit of more home games this season.

The action kicks off on October 25th with an exhibition game against Xavier on the road. The Lakers then continue their non-conference slate with an away game at Seton Hall on November 3rd, followed by a return to Erie for their home opener against Penn State Beaver on November 5th.

The non-conference schedule is packed with exciting matchups, including trips to Ohio State on November 8th and St. Bonaventure on November 11th. The Lakers then host Akron on November 14th before heading to Cornell on November 18th. Siena and Canisius will also visit Mercyhurst on November 21st and 25th, respectively, before the Lakers face Thiel at home on November 29th.

December brings further challenges, with road games at Colgate on December 2nd, Cleveland State on December 11th, and Minnesota on December 15th. The team will also face Niagara at home on December 6th before traveling to Pitt on December 17th. The Lakers will wrap up their non-conference schedule on the road against RMU on December 20th. The Lakers will close out the year with a home game versus Allegheny on December 29th.

Conference play begins on January 2nd as the Lakers hit the road to face Le Moyne. This marks the start of their NEC schedule, which includes crucial away games against Stonehill on January 7th and Central Connecticut on January 9th. Mercyhurst's first NEC home game is against Wagner on January 14th, followed by FDU on January 16th and LIU on January 21st.

January 23rd promises to be a special occasion, as the Lakers host New Haven for the Centennial Game celebration. This is sure to be a highlight of the season, with fans and alumni gathering to celebrate the rich history of Mercyhurst basketball.

The Lakers continue their NEC schedule with a visit to Chicago State on January 30th and LIU on February 4th before returning home to host Stonehill on February 11th. Home games against Central Connecticut on February 13th and Chicago State on February 17th follow, before the team travels to New Haven on February 20th. The regular season concludes with a pair of pivotal games: at FDU on February 25th and at Wagner on February 27th. The Lakers will then cap off their home schedule by hosting Le Moyne on March 4th.

The NEC Tournament is set to begin on March 8th, with subsequent rounds on March 11th and March 14th, where the Lakers will aim to build on last season's success and make a deep postseason run.

Mercyhurst fans are encouraged to mark their calendars and show their support throughout the season, as the Lakers aim to achieve new heights and deliver thrilling basketball action. For more details on game times and venues, fans can visit the full schedule here.