Having a small team can be a struggle for another any collegiate team, but the Mercyhurst Women’s Tennis team is stepping up to the plate and is making this year one to remember.

With only just nine players on the team, the Lakers are all contributing to the solid 10-0 schedule thus far.

“We are doing a little better than last year. We work hard at each match and it is really showing. Although some of our toughest matches are still ahead, I know that the girls will be working hard to get the win,” Coach Jerome Simon said.

With losing only one senior and gaining one freshman, Devon Hubbard, the Lakers have a strong team and have been working successfully together within the past years to make the team wins their matches.

“Devon is adapting very well to the collegiate level. She is in and out of are starting line-up and is really putting forth an effort to the team,” Simon said.

Caroline Bristol is one of the stand-out to look for, as well as the rest of the girls who are working hard, practicing hard, and who are coming out strong in their matches.

“Our biggest goal this season is to quality for nationals. We didn’t last year, and the western side is definitely our strongest side. Our key to success is just being prepared, working hard and winning our PSAC matches,” Simon said.

With a recent win against Robert Wesleyan College on Saturday with a score of 9-0, it was the Lakers seventh shutout win in the past eight matches.

“We have a pretty comparable schedule this year,” Simon said. “Even though our PSAC matches will be our hardest ones thus far, I think we are pretty set and ready to take on those tougher teams, and in the end qualify for nationals.”

“Our season is really from a team effort,” Simon continued. “All the girls contribute to winning each match. You have to really put forth a lot of effort in order to win. Our best player can really only win once so we have to have a complete effort as a team.”

The Lakers’ next home match is Sunday, March 24, against Ashland University at Pennbriar Athletic Club at 1 p.m.