Junior Kierstyn Stemer defends sophomore midfielder Emily Burns during practice. The team is 2-2 overall and looking to pick up: Alison Ockasi

Mercyhurst field hockey has started the season strong. With two wins and only one loss, the Lakers added another win Tuesday against the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Crimson Hawks.
This was the team’s first Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) game of the season which they won 2-1.

Mercyhurst senior Kelsey Lovelace began the game with a rebound off the goalie for the first goal. IUP’s Haley Fidler quickly responded with a shot at 25:05, but was saved by Laker goal keeper, senior Jess Wess. Ericka Griffith scored IUP’s only goal of the game just before the end of the first half, keeping the score tied.

The Lakers came back for the second half with a stronger showing. The period began with a corner kick by junior Andrea Goldbach, leading to a goal attempt by senior Marissa Faso. Mercyhurst kept strong possession throughout the last half, only allowing two shots.

After being struck by a ball in the first half, Faso came back strong, scoring 10 minutes into the second half. The Lakers kept on the offensive after the goal with 5 more shots; however, no one was able to capitalize.

“We came out strong,” sophomore midfielder Alex Albright said. “We had more back and forth possession in the first half, but kept it better in the second half.”

Goldbach had an excellent game. She had 7 corner kicks and 1 assist. Lovelace and Faso had good games as well, scoring once each.
Although the Lakers won, Albright said they are looking to improve their game.

“We should have capitalized more on plays and we should have finished more,” she said.
Mercyhurst’s next home game will be Sept. 17 at 4 p.m. on Tullio Field against Slippery Rock University.