Oct. 27, 2006

Erie, Pa. - The Mercyhurst men's and women's soccer teams are in similar positions heading into the most important weekend of their seasons. Both teams are looking for victories that should assure spots in the NCAA Division II National Tournament.

The women (15-3 overall, 6-1 in conference) travel across town to play rival Gannon Saturday at 7 p.m. with increased importance. A victory should not only send Mercyhurst to the National Tournament, but it will also give the Lakers a share of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Championship.

Sarah Powell leads Mercyhurst with 16 goals and nine assists, while defending GLIAC Offensive Player of the Year Lisa Casement has 11 goals and eight assists. The defense, anchored by senior Finella Annand and sophomore goalkeeper Rebecca Heintzman, has allowed only 12 goals in 18 games.

The men (16-3 overall, 8-1 in conference) has already locked up the GLIAC Championship and is ranked No. 25 in the country. But Mercyhurst's game with Gannon at Mercyhurst Soccer Field Sunday at 2 p.m. could determine whether or not the Lakers advance to the postseason.

Kurt Young has already broken the school record for goals by a freshman, scoring a team-high 17. Junior Kyle Jackson has six goals and a team-best nine assists, while sophomore Tyler Emerick has nine goals. Sophomore Daniel Mudd has been proven to be one of the top goaltenders in the country, allowing 0.77 goals per game.

The NCAA Tournament selections will be announced October 30 with first round games taking place November 2 and 3.