Coming off of losing five out of six starters can be a challenge for any team, but Mercyhurst’s men’s basketball team is stepping up and making a name for themselves, on and off the court.

With last year’s record being 18-10, the Lakers are looking to step it up on the court to make this year one to remember.

Four new freshman have proved to be a valuable addition to the team as well.

Two freshmen who made PSAC Western Division player of the week are guard Beau Samuelson and forward Andy Hoving. Samuelson and Hoving have started in all the games thus far, standing out on the court.

Coach Gary Manchel advises the Lakers during their game against East Stroudsburg on Saturday.: Sydney Cuscino photo

“I think the freshmen have a real challenge this year, they have to really work hard and try to fill in some shoes that we lost last year, and they are called on to do a lot more,” Coach Gary Manchel said.

“We have had our ups and downs so far. We have played well, but we look like a young team. It’s all about working on our skills and really coming together as a team,” Manchel added.

With losing two seniors last year, along with three more key players, the Lakers are a younger team than usual, but looking to challenge their young players.

With a close loss to East Stroudsburg University this past Saturday of 62-67 and a record of 2-3 thus far, the Lakers are fighting to be a contender this year.

“We definitely have a tougher schedule this year. Four out of the five teams we play all have winning records and they are better than we thought. This is definitely one of the better years in the league for the teams so it is going to be a challenge for us,” Manchel said.

Leading the way is captain and senior forward Luis Leao. With being all-league all three years, he is one of the Lakers’ stand-out players and looking to make a difference on the team.

“Every year we expect to win, this is going to be a down year for us losing so many key players, but we might as well win, and still work as hard as we can,” Manchel said.

The Lakers travel to Ohio for their next game on Wednesday, Dec. 5, against Notre Dame College.