The Mercyhurst College women’s soccer team took on the regionally top-ranked California University of Pennsylvania Saturday, upsetting the Vulcans in a 3-2 victory for the Lakers.

The game was a tough one to win as the girls battled through an intense afternoon when it first seemed as though they could not get a break.

Senior Taylor Hilinski received a chip pass from freshman Danielle Braun to put a score up on the board and an advantage for the Lakers.

Just 18 seconds later, Cal responded with a goal to tie up the game 1-1 going into half-time.

During the second half the Lakers continued to fight hard. An assist from senior Jamie Laturell allowed Hilinski to blast a shot from eight yards out that put the Lakers ahead, 2-1.

Five minutes later, Cal again responded with a goal from inside the box to tie the game, 2-2.

“[Being scored on after taking the lead] was frustrating, but we kept positive because we knew this was an important game, and it would be an important win to keep us on track,” Hilinski said.

This attitude is what contributed to the Lakers’ fourth Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference win.

Junior Lindsey Meyer scored the final goal with 4:12 left to play in the game, sealing the Lakers’ 3-2 triumph.

“It’s looking positive for the rest of the year, as long as we keep up this level of play and continue to improve throughout the rest of the season” Hilinski said.

The four-game winning streak marks the most consecutive victories for the team since the Lakers won their first five postseason contests, from Nov. 4 through Nov. 21.

The Lakers next host Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, an Erie County foe, Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 4 p.m.