LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – Coaches in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference have selected Mercyhurst to finish fifth in the Western Division of the annual preseason poll, as announced by league officials today.
Reigning conference champion California (Pa.) is the favorite to win the West, followed by Clarion and city-rival Gannon. Edinboro ranks fourth in the poll while Indiana (Pa.) and Slippery Rock round out the division.
In the East, perennial NCAA powerhouse Lock Haven garnered all seven first-place votes.
The Lakers begin their 40th season of competition with 15 returning letterwinners from a squad that advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year and went 20-13 overall, 11-8 in the PSAC West. Additionally, seven newcomers bolster the roster.
Headlining the returners are seniors
Kendall Ashworth,
Justine Smith and
Erin English. Ashworth, a 2007 All-GLIAC honorable mention selection, anchors the defense from her libero position where she led the team in digs a year ago while also adding to the offense with 23 aces to rank second in that category a year ago.
Smith and English combine for a powerful force at middle hitter, with Smith posting the team’s best hitting percentage a year ago (.256) in addition to finishing third in kills (183). English, 2008 All-PSAC West Second Team selection, finished fourth in blocks last year.
The Lakers also have the luxury of returning their top seven kills leaders, including standout outside hitter
Chelsea Jensen. A sophomore, Jensen led the Lakers in her freshman campaign with 314 kills (2.75 per game).
Mercyhurst will be without the efforts of graduated three-year starting setter Julia Butler but should be prepared for the transition as sophomore
Kiera Rebert returns to the role she supported a year ago.
The Lakers hit the hardwood for the season opener at the Ferris State Tournament on Sept. 3 and 4, opening with old GLIAC-foes Hillsdale and Michigan Tech before taking on Glenville State and Ferris State.
Mercyhurst’s home opener is set for Sept. 14 against Notre Dame College.
Western Division
1. California (3)
2. Clarion (2)
3. Gannon (1)
4. Edinboro (1)
5. Mercyhurst
6. IUP
7. Slippery Rock
Eastern Division
1. Lock Haven (7)
2. West Chester
3. Shippensburg
4. Kutztown
T5. East Stroudsburg
T5. Millersville
7. Cheyney