Traditionally, schools have a strong athletic week in a sport or two. Even the top athletic schools have up and down weeks, or up and down sports.

Men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, baseball, and women’s water polo all had a player of the week in their conference during the week ending April 24.

The impressive part of what Mercyhurst athletes were able to do is that the athletes play in four different sports. To have four different student-athletes in four different sports be the top player in their respective sport in a given week is quite a feat.

These accomplishments came with only another week or so left in each team’s season. The hope is that the award marks a player hitting their stride, or playing their best, heading into the playoffs.

Kimberly MastertonKim Masterton, women’s lacrosse, was named PSAC co-player of the week with 17 points on nine goals and eight assists over their final three games. She had an outstanding individual season headed into playoffs. Masterton led the team in overall points this season with 81. Still, the player of the week honor was not on Masterton’s radar of things to accomplish.

“Playoffs are more important and keeping the season alive, rather than winning player of the week,” Masterton said. “The award doesn’t make a difference. I play because I love to.”

Rachel GriepsmaRachel Griepsma, women’s water polo, had an equally impressive individual season. She was named CWPA player of the week after tallying 16 points on seven goals and nine assists. She led the team during the year with 55 goals and 68 overall points.

“It’s definitely special because we play against D-I athletes and to be recognized among them is an honor,” Griepsma said.

Unfortunately for both Griepsma and Masterton, the late success only lasted another week. Griepsma and the women’s water polo team beat Gannon, but lost to Brown University in the CWPA Eastern playoffs to end their season with a record of 16-10.

Masterton and the women’s lacrosse team opened up the playoffs looking at three teams, all who beat them in the regular season, standing in the way of a championship. After beating Bloomsburg, the Lakers fell to No. 1 West Chester in the semi-finals of the PSAC tournament ending their season with a record of 13-6.

Kevin McCallKevin McCall, baseball, and Zach Nash, men’s lacrosse, were both named PSAC players of the week in their respective sports. McCall batted .611 with six RBIs during a 5-0 week for the Lakers. Nash held Limestone, the nation’s top offense, to only eight goals and helped the Lakers continue their climb up the rankings.

“You can’t think too far ahead. I just play in the moment and stick to the same routine,” McCall said.

Zach NashNash continued his success by being named PSAC defensive player of the week again this past week after the team beat No. 7 New York Tech. The men’s lacrosse team still has two games remaining before playoff selections will be made on May 8.

McCall helped the Lakers go 3-1 against Slippery Rock to earn the PSAC West regular season championship. The Lakers have one game remaining against Urbana before their play-offs begin.