The Lakers women’s basketball team hosted its first ever alumni game as a part of the homecoming and family weekend here at Mercyhurst this passed weekend on Saturday.

All of the seven seniors from last year’s team had the chance to play in the game, which included Abby Allen, Dana Banda, Lindsey Burke, Kristi Ewanick, Kaylee Foster, Paris Thomas and Kelsey Trosch.

Along with, Katie Carbee and Megan Hoffman from the class of 2012, Amy Achesinski and Samantha Loadman represented the class of 2011. Stephanie Prischak (2009), Amy Butler (2007), Cassie Seth (2006), and Erin Solada (2006) are also coming back.
Alison Ockasi photo: The Lakers hosted their first ever alumni game as part of homecoming weekend this past Saturday.

Achesinski, Loadman, Prischak, and Seth each scored more than 1,000 points in their Laker careers.

“It’s great, it’ll make the game exciting,” says Lindsey Burke. This game kick started the excitement for the women’s upcoming 2013-2014 season and also maintain high support.

“It will definitely help increase the alumni support. Since this is the first year we are doing it, hopefully more girls will come back in the future and more athletes in general,” said Burke.
Last season the Lakers were able to advance to the Pennsylvania State Tournament and hope to do that again.

The welcoming back of many former Mercyhurst athletes was a major part of this past weekend.

Mercyhurst enjoys the friendly combination between alumni and current students, which helps make the Hurst family even closer.

“It’s awesome to come back and see old teammates and play a game that was a really big part of our time here at Mercyhurst,” Burke said.

The women were happy to have played everyone in their class once again and most of them hope to continue the tradition.

The goal is to do this again for women’s basketball and perhaps other sports that aren’t included in this annual ritual yet.