BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – Mercyhurst women's basketball received preseason recognition from the NEC on Monday, with junior guard Cici Hernandez named to the Preseason All-NEC squad and the Lakers selected second in the league's preseason coaches' poll.
 
Hernandez enters her junior season following a standout sophomore campaign in which she earned NEC Most Improved Player and All-NEC First Team honors. She appeared in 31 games, averaging a career-high 13.7 points per game while shooting 40.5 percent from the field and knocking down a career-best 85 3-pointers. Hernandez averaged 2.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 30.2 minutes per game. She also earned NEC Player of the Week recognition and was named an NEC Prime Performer nine times throughout the season.
 
Mercyhurst posted a 14-4 regular-season record in NEC play last season during Coach Erin Mills-Reid's first season back with the program. The team made their NEC tournament debut as a No. 2 seed, reaching the semifinals with a quarterfinal victory. Mercyhurst also earned their first WNIT bid, making their first national postseason appearance since making the move to Division I.
 
The Lakers will look to carry momentum into the 2026-27 season, adding three freshmen and four transfers to the squad. The roster for the season features three seniors and four juniors, alongside eight underclassmen.
 
Mercyhurst begins its season Nov. 3 with a road matchup against Seton Hall. The Lakers will make their home debut at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center Nov. 5 as they host Penn State Beaver.

For the full release, visit: https://necsports.com/news/2026/9/24/WBB_PreseasonAllNECTeam_2627.aspx