On Feb. 6, a new poll released by Division II College of Sports Information Directors of America, also known as D2SIDA, ranked Mercyhurst women’s basketball team seventh with 24 points, behind IUP with 29 points and Glenville State with 34. The Lakers were ranked fifth in the previous week.
With a 17-5 record and a 12-4 record in the PSAC, the Lakers are recording their best numbers since 1996-97 when they had a 17-9 record.
“We are all aware of the ranking but our coach will remind us not to focus on the rankings and just keep working hard and focusing on our games, versus media and rankings,” senior Natalia Piaggesi said regarding the poll.
Piaggesi has played 22 games so far in the season, averaging 16.5 points per game and 31.6 minutes per game.
Furthermore, the women’s basketball team is fourth in the PSAC West Division Standings, trailing behind California University (21-1, 15-1), Edinboro (18-4, 14-3) and Indiana (16-5, 14-3).
Sophomore Maria Lapertosa commented, “Coming into the season we had our expectations set high. We have a lot of experience and seniority with six seniors on our team. I am aware of our rankings but I don’t focus on it.”
Lapertosa has played 20 games with an average of 8.6 points per game and 20 minutes per game.
The Lakers will travel to Slippery Rock (9-14, 6-11) on Wednesday and Pittsburgh-Johnstown University (7-16, 3-14) on Saturday.
Lapertosa remains positive regarding these upcoming games and the rest of the season.
“Our ranking is a small indication of what our season is going to be. Before any rankings were put out, we knew we had potential to be a great team,” she commented.