April 23, 2006

Bloomington, Ind. - Senior utility Cassie Rand's 60th goal of the season with just over three minutes left in regulation proved decisive as Mercyhurst rallied to defeat Slippery Rock 5-4 Sunday morning at the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Western Division Championships. The Lakers, 15-8-1 overall and 7-3 in the CWPA, finished the tournament in third place behind Division I Indiana and Michigan. The Lakers also beat Slippery Rock for the third time in four meetings this season.

After a 1-1 first quarter, The Rock scored the second period's lone marker to take a 2-1 lead at halftime. The teams then divided four third period goals evenly as Mercyhurst found itself on the short end of a 4-3 score entering the final quarter.

But sophomore driver Christie Haibach tied the game with her second goal of the game and 16th of the season with five minutes left and Rand got the game-winner about two minutes later. It was also Rand's second goal of the game.

Sophomore goaltender Gina Mieras was credited with nine saves, including two in the last minute as The Rock pressed to get the equalizer.

Score by Quarters

	Mercyhurst Individual Stats
Goals	Christie Haibach (2), Cassie Rand (2), Renee Sander
Goalkeeping	Gina Mieras - 9 saves