Sept. 19, 2006

Erie, Pa. - The Mercyhurst women's soccer team climbed four spots, reaching No. 21 in the NCAA Division II poll released today. At 8-1 on the year, the Lakers are ranked third in the region for the second consecutive week and have their highest national ranking since 2002.

After jumping into the top 25 at No. 25 a week ago, Mercyhurst defeated then-No. 21 Indiana (Pa.) and beat unranked Concord and Shepherd. IUP fell to No. 23 in today's poll.

Nebraska-Omaha holds the top spot in the poll, while Metro State and Carson-Newman follow behind. Among other Great Lakes Region teams, Grand Valley State is 7-0 and ranked No. 4. Quincy, the only team to defeat Mercyhurst this year, is 9-0 and ranked No. 9.

On the year, Mercyhurst has outscored its opponents 27-5. Sarah Powell leads the squad with nine goals and six assists, while Lisa Casement has five goals and five assists. Rebecca Heintzman has posted a 0.59 goals against average. The 8-1 start is the best for the team since the 1994 squad opened 13-1.

Mercyhurst will be back in action Saturday when the Lakers host GLIAC opponent Saginaw Valley State for Homecoming at 11 a.m.

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