The Mercyhurst University women’s lacrosse team captured a share of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) regular season championship. They have earned a bye in the PSAC Tournament and will play in the PSAC Final Four on Friday, May 2.

The Lakers won, 18-6, against Shippensburg University on Saturday, April 26. They closed the regular season with a 15-2 record, including an 11-1 PSAC mark. Mercyhurst won the PSAC regular season title for the first time since 2010, when it also split with Lock Haven.

“Our team did a lot better than any of us had expected. We have had one of the best seasons since I have been here and it’s just really exciting that this year we have so much potential to make it far in play-offs,” said senior Anna LeGrett.

Mercyhurst held a 29-20 advantage in shots and picked up 23 ground balls, compared to 14 for Shippensburg.

“It feels great being co-champions of PSACs but I think our goal is set for winning the tournament games this weekend and getting a bid in NCAAs,” LeGrett said.

The Lakers have moved up to an eighth-place tie with Pfeiffer University in the latest Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) poll.

“We were a little slow to the start but we picked it up towards the end and came out with a win. We never expect to beat a team, we have to show up to every game ready to produce and play like it’s our last and that’s how we approached Shippensburg,” LeGrett said.

The players that assisted with points against Shippensburg were juniors Jenna Schlagenhauf with two goals, Mackenzie Jordan with four goals, Becca Himes with five goals and one assist, and Taylor Ventre with two goals and one assist, as well as senior Anna LeGrett with two goals and one assist.

“Our team has been so strong this year because we don’t have one individual standout player. Our attack is evenly distributed and every player on the field has the ability to step-up and score for us. With that being said, if someone is having a bad day we have 11 other girls to pick up the slack.

“Having such a powerful attack makes scouting us very difficult. A team can’t simply face-guard one individual player because everyone is as equal as a threat. We also have a very competitive defensive unit that has enough depth to carry us through games,” LeGrett said.

The PSAC Championship will take place on Saturday, May 3.