INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Head West Laker fans! 

The Mercyhurst College women's varsity eight has received an at-large bid to the 2010 NCAA Rowing Championships at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center in Sacramento, Calif. on May 28-30, as announced by NCAA officials Wednesday afternoon. 

The Lakers were one of two varsity eight at-large bids and four teams comprised of an eight boat and a four boat selected to the Division II championship. 

Barry University received the remaining at-large spot while Florida Tech, Philadelphia, Seattle Pacific and five-time defending champion Western Washington all earned the team bids. 

Currently ranked second in the nation, the Lakers will try and improve on their team runner-up finish from a year ago and dethrone perennial powerhouse Western Washington. 

“We all came back with a chip on our shoulder,” said coxy Lindsey Crosby, who is in her first year with the eight boat after guiding the four boat a year ago at the national championship. “We all expected to win last year. I'm excited this year again but also nervous.” 

A year after earning a spot at bow for the Lakers' varsity eight, sophomore Sally O'Brien moves to the No. 4-seat and brings with her a more focused training mindset. 

“Last year as a freshman I didn't know what to expect,” said O'Brien. “I didn't know about Western Washington. We work so incredibly hard so we earn what we get, but it's still disappointing to lose. I'm definitely more focused on racing against Western Washington.” 

Senior All-America Leah Niecgorski will make her third-straight appearance with the varsity eight at the national championship. 

“This is my last chance to beat Western Washington,” said Niecgorski. “Last year was harder than I ever worked, and to be ranked No. 1 all season and then have it taken away from you was just so disappointing. Last year I think we were a little afraid, but this year we have nothing to lose.

This year our style of racing is different.  We are much stronger in the third and final 500 meters so we aren't just a 1,000-meter team.  We've got a lot more left in the tank.” 

And this season, losses have been few and far between for the Lakers. The varsity eight earned gold in four out of five spring races, including their second consecutive championship at the Dad Vail. 

At the Dad Vail Regatta, the Lakers took gold over a field that included Barry, Philadelphia, Florida Tech and Seattle Pacific. At the East Regional, Mercyhurst took gold with a win over Philadelphia and Dowling after defeating Barry and Florida Tech at SIRAs. The Lakers opened the 2010 campaign with gold at the Knecht Cup, knocking off both regional rivals Philadelphia and Dowling.