The Mercyhurst College women’s soccer team concluded this week’s play earning a playoff berth.

The first of these two victories came on Tuesday when the Lakers welcomed the Golden Eagles of Clarion University at the Mercyhurst soccer field for a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West game.

With the season almost over, every game became vital.

The first half went the way of the home team, with the Lakers registering 15 shots. The defense also held strong, allowing just four shots to their opponents as neither team scored in the first half.

The tie was broken in the 56th minute when senior Taylor Hilinski put the ball in the back of the net.

With the game still in the balance, the Golden Eagles had four efforts on goal in the next seven minutes.

After Mercyhurst weathered the storm, there were no more attempts on goal for the game, giving the Lakers a 1-0 victory.

The Lakers traveled to Edinboro University on Saturday looking to avenge a home defeat earlier in the season to the Fighting Scots.
The game started off frantically, but Hilinski put the Lakers up 1-0 after just two minutes.

Junior Laker goalkeeper Rachel Greipsma made two saves to deny the Fighting Scots up to the half.

With Edinboro attacking in the second half, Mercyhurst countered on the break with another goal by Hilinski to bring the final score to 2-0, earning the Lakers a PSAC postseason tournament berth.

The Lakers are now 11-5-1 overall and are in action again Wednesday, Oct. 28, hosting Slippery Rock.

“We were delighted to get the two wins this week, ensuring a place in the postseason playoffs. Both games were close, but we managed to find another gear and finished off both teams,” Hilinski said.