The Mercyhurst College women’s soccer team will enter its first season in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) ranked No. 21 in the country by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). The Lakers went 17-3-1 a year ago and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II National Tournament.
Mercyhurst is one of three teams ranked in the top 25 from the PSAC, the only conference to have that many ranked teams. West Chester is No. 7 and Slippery Rock is No. 17. Tampa leads the way with the top ranking in the country.
The Lakers will play Slippery Rock twice this year, hosting the Rock Sept. 17 and playing on the road Oct. 21. Mercyhurst also plays at West Chester Oct. 4.
Mercyhurst ended the 2007 season outside of the top 25 despite a 17-3-1 record and a second-place finish in the GLIAC. The Lakers qualified for the NCAA Division II National Tournament and defeated Quincy 1-0 in the opening game. Mercyhurst then faced undefeated Grand Valley State in the second round and the teams played to a 1-1 tie through regulation and two overtimes. Grand Valley State eventually ended Mercyhurst’s season by winning on penalty kicks.
The women’s soccer season opens Aug. 30 as the Lakers play at Kutztown at 1 p.m. After three consecutive road matches to start the season, Mercyhurst will host Clarion in its home opener Sept. 6 at 1 p.m.
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