MERCYHURST vs LOCK HAVEN
Friday, Aug. 28 – 5:00 p.m.
Lock Haven, Pa. – Charlotte E. Smith Field
TV: PSAC Sports Digital Network
The Mercyhurst Field Hockey team is set to open the 2026 season on the road against Lock Haven on August 28 at Charlotte E. Smith Field. The matchup marks the first game of the season for the Lakers under first-year head coach Rachel Bannatyne. The game will be broadcast live on the PSAC Sports Digital Network.
Mercyhurst Lakers
Mercyhurst enters the 2026 season looking to build on the progress made during its second season of Division I competition. The Lakers return several key contributors from last season, including Ava Jones, Lola Williams, Finja Wunner, and Catherine Hudak. Mercyhurst will also begin a new era under Bannatyne, who was named the program's head coach in June and will lead the Lakers into their third season in the NEC.
Players to Watch
Ava Jones
Jones returns as one of Mercyhurst's top offensive threats after recording three goals and six points during the 2025 season. She converted three of her six shots into goals while placing five shots on goal. Jones also found the back of the cage in Mercyhurst's season finale at Lock Haven last season, giving the Lakers an early lead.
Lola Williams
Williams provided a strong two-way presence for the Lakers in 2025, finishing the season with one goal and two assists for four points. She started all 16 games she appeared in and recorded three shots, with two reaching the target. Williams also contributed an assist in Mercyhurst's matchup against Lock Haven last season.
Finja Wunner
Wunner enters the season after contributing three points in 17 appearances last year. She recorded one goal and one assist while placing both of her shots on goal. Wunner also played a role in the Lakers' offensive attack against Rider last season, assisting on a goal.
Catherine Hudak
Hudak returns as another experienced offensive option for Mercyhurst. She started all 17 games in 2025 and finished with one goal and two points. Hudak also registered 11 shots, including six on goal, ranking among the Lakers' leaders in both categories.
Lock Haven Bald Eagles
Lock Haven will welcome Mercyhurst to Charlotte E. Smith Field for the second consecutive season. The Bald Eagles defeated the Lakers 4-2 in last season's meeting on Nov. 2, 2025. Mercyhurst took an early 1-0 lead in that contest behind a goal from Jones before Lock Haven rallied for the victory.
Broadcast
Fans can follow the season opener live on the PSAC Sports Digital Network. The matchup will give supporters their first opportunity to see Bannatyne lead the Lakers and watch several returning contributors begin the 2026 campaign.
Upcoming Schedule
Following the season opener at Lock Haven, the Lakers will continue their road swing with a matchup against Saint Louis on September 6. Mercyhurst will then host Saint Francis on September 8 for its 2026 home opener.
