Playing in one of the toughest field hockey divisions in the country could be a challenge for any collegiate sports team, but the Mercyhurst women’s field hockey team has taken that challenge and is fighting for a spot in this year’s PSAC Championship.

With a record of 6-10 so far and closing up the end to their season, the Lakers have two more games left against Shippensburg and Mansfield University to claim their spot in PSAC Tournament.

“Our record really doesn’t show who we are as a team. It’s a tough challenge; eight out of the nine teams we play are in the top ten teams of the country. It’s not an easy schedule by any means, so were always working hard to prove ourselves,” Coach Stacey Gaudette said.

With a huge win against number one ranked team Slippery Rock last weekend, and another win against Lindenwood University in Missouri this past weekend the Lakers are looking forward to next week to claim some more wins for their team.

“Slippery Rock was a huge win for us. They were the number one ranked team and they are also our rivals. It was a great game, it motivated us,” Gaudette said.

With an addition of six new freshman, Kierstyn Sturmer, Andrea Goldbach, Emily Koestler, Amanda Schanz, Cayla Slade and Kirsten Rambo, the Lakers have a younger team this year and are working hard and practicing harder to make this an unforgettable season.

“Our team’s makeup this year is a lot different. We have a lot more underclassmen and its progressing. It’s a very young team, but our freshmen have great attitude and they have already learned our system well so they’ve been a great addition to our team,” Gaudette said.

With captains junior Meghan Smith and senior Megan Richards, the Lakers are looking forward to making it into the championships.

“We have a very focused, dynamic team. Not one individual stands out,” said Gaudette. “We don’t have one star player, which makes us pretty unique.”

“Every year we get that much better; we are always continuing to build our program and make a name for ourselves,” Gaudette said.

The Lakers will play next on Wednesday, Oct. 17, against first place team Shippensburg University at Tullio Field.