After dropping to 0-2 early on the year, the field hockey team picked up its first win over Bellarmine University (Louisville, Ky.). Just a week earlier, the Lakers lost on the road to Bellarmine University in Kentucky, 1-3 and also lost to PSAC (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference) opponent IUP 2-6.

Seniors Megan Richards, Tesa Ramsdell and Jessica Richards were honored on the day. The 1-0 win gave the team momentum they have been searching for.

“After losing the first two games, we reviewed film to see what mistakes we made and learned what we needed to change,” said senior Megan Richards. “We’ll continue to keep learning from each game to help for prepare for the next one.”

The lone goal came from freshman Cayla Slade, and the shutout went to sophomore Jess Wess. She stopped eight shots on the way to her first career shutout.

Freshman, such as Slade, have filled the roles from key senior loses last season.

“The freshmen are very coachable and have learned fast,” said Richards. “Our system of play can be very confusing to new players and the freshmen caught on so quick it helped the team focus on bigger goals.”

Four Lakers have recorded goals on the year, Slade, Ramsdell, and juniors Brittney Randolph and Meghan Smith.

Richards noted their toughest competition in the PSAC will be against Shippensburg and Bloomsburg. MU was polled to finish fourth in the PSAC West preseason polls.

The Hurst added six freshmen after losing five seniors to graduation, and Mercyhurst Field Hockey Alum Rachel Sluberski (’12) has joined the coaching staff for 2012-2013 as a graduate assistant.

The Lakers are back in action Sept. 22 at Tullio Field at 5 p.m.