Having Mercyhurst’s first ever undefeated regular season would be an honor for almost any team. Ending its 2012 season with a record of 13-0 and losing only once in a playoff game, the Mercyhurst men’s lacrosse team is proving again, that they are a force to be reckoned with.

“We’ve had a pretty tough beginning to the season and we are getting solid play from a lot of people on our team too,” said Head Coach Chris Ryan. “We are able to keep our rivals going, and five of the teams we play are in the top 12.”

With a record of 5-0 so far, holding the No. 1 position and a win over Lindenwood University during their ECAC opener on Saturday, March 16, the Lakers are working hard to make this season one to remember.

“We are a great team, but we have a lot of room for growth as well,” Ryan said. “We are not where we were this time last year. We are working on our identity and the guys are working really hard at it.”
Coming out and making himself known this year is No. 45, junior midfielder, Mitch McAvoy.

Mitch McAvoy was named ECAC Specialist of the Week on Monday, March. 11.: Brian Vail photo

This is McAvoy’s second straight Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) award, winning a total of 50 out of 79 face-offs this year so far.

“Mitch is strong for us when it comes to our faceoff,” Ryan said. “He injured his thumb awhile back, but was able to bounce back really fast for us. He has had a high level of faceoffs over the past few games and is a strength for us.”

Losing a total of eight seniors, the Lakers had lost leaders on both ends of the field. With an addition of 15 freshmen, the Lakers are working on replacing the depth within their team.

“The freshmen are doing a pretty good job so far adjusting. We’re getting a lot of effort from them, and they are handling everything pretty well,” Ryan said. “One thing that is unique is that lacrosse is the only sport really around that you faceoff. Mitch is able to produce a ton of possession for us and is probably the smartest when it comes to lacrosse IQ on the team. He brings a lot of presence for us and is also able to play middle defense for us as well.”

The Lakers’ next home game is this Sunday, March 24, against Walsh University at Tullio Field.