Over the weekend, the Lakers were cheering on the Women’s soccer team in their defeat over California University of Pennsylvania (Cal U.). They were crowned Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West Regular Season Champions, which means that their soccer season is not over yet.

The game was played at Saxon Stadium on Nov. 6. at 5:00 p.m. This last scheduled home game also served as Senior Night for the graduating players. The Lakers came out with confidence, fought for their playoff spot, and are now celebrating their exciting accomplishments.

“Making the playoffs is a huge accomplishment for the team and to be a part of helping our team win the PSAC West regular season for the first time is bittersweet. We are all on a happy high at the moment,” said sophomore forward, Emily Mijares.

The Women’s soccer team ended their game with a shutout and a final score of 3-0. The scoring streak for the Lakers started in the beginning of the game when Mijares kicked the ball into the net with an assist from junior defenceman, Sydney Snyder.

In the first 45 minutes of the game, the Lakers had 18 shot attempts, while California only had one. Going into the second half of the game, sophomore goalkeeper, Maddie Elbro only had to make one save. The scoring was not over for Mijares. In the 63rd minute of the game, Mijares’ speed allowed her to beat the defender to the middle and put the ball into the back of the net.

“I was extremely excited to score twice and it is always a good feeling when my teammates come to congratulate me as well, it shows the comradery of our team,” said Mijares.

“The second goal of the game put our team in a great position, as it helped us to settle the game down and play at ease,” said Mijares.

This goal gave the Lakers a more comfortable lead with a score of 2-0. However, that score did not last long when senior midfielder and captain, Lauren Casey, got her fifth goal of the season putting the Lakers up by one more point.

The final score of the game resulted in a 3-0 win for their final season game. Over the regular season, Mijares has been the top scorer and has scored nine goals in the last six games. The Lakers have been on a scoring streak with winning their past six games, and now the streak continues with the season’s last game.

Overall during the season, the team ended up with 37 total points. This is the most points they have recorded since joining the PSAC and will also be the first season they secure number one seed in the PSAC playoffs. Keeping the team’s energy in playoffs is crucial to the team’s success.

“I think to keep at the pace I’m going at for the playoffs is to just stay focused on one game at a time and what is laid out in front of me. One thing that I always remind myself before I play any game is that I am playing for my teammates, and that is what motivates me to play my hardest,” said Mijares.

The playoffs will start on Nov. 9 for both the Men’s and Women’s soccer teams. Lakers can continue to cheer for the Women’s soccer team at their playoff game, which will be held on Nov. 9 at the Mercyhurst Soccer Field against the Edinboro Fighting Scots at 1 p.m.