The Mercyhurst College women’s lacrosse team is determined to improve on last season’s successes and make it to the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season.

So far, the team is undefeated, winning six consecutive games and holding an impressive record that makes other teams in the conference tremble.

Head coach Cecil Pilson is proud of his team this season and the success brought on by all their hard work.

New assistant coach Jillian Howley has also sparked the Lakers.

“(Howley) has brought in some new ideas that have helped the program grow quickly,” Peilson said.

In addition, Pilson added that how the team’s youth has responded to challenges is a major factor in their success.

“(We have) a very talented young squad that is driven to be successful both on and off the field even in the face of change,” Pilson said.

Still, a young squad has its disadvantages, and with every game comes new lessons to be learned and continued room for growth.

Saturday’s match against No. 10 Gannon University proved a huge win for the Lakers. Along with No. 2 Lock Haven University, Gannon is a very big rival for the team. The Lakers fought extremely hard and were able to defeat the cross-town rival in a close 10-9 game.

Last season, Mercyhurst split with its two top rivals and hopes to improve this season by defeating them in regular and post-season play, Pilson said.

Starting off strong is a good beginning. Sophomore Ally Keirn says the success has been team-oriented and most of the points during the games are unselfish and assisted goals. Keirn is looking forward to the rest of the season to see how much more improvement is in store.

“Everyone seems to be psyched up for the remainder of our games and improving personally and as a team,” Keirn said.

With the sky as the limit, Coach Pilson stated that “If our team maintains focus and continues to learn from each game, I think that we can make a run for the PSAC & NCAA Tournaments.” Laker lacrosse is on a roll and hoping to keep it going Thursday in their match-up with Slippery Rock University.