The Lakers women's soccer team kicked off their season with a dominating 8-2 victory over visiting Mercyhurst NE. Freshman Michell Molina began the scoring for the Lakers as she tallied her first collegiate goal 30 minutes into the contest. Kyley Molea tallied her first collegiate goal just four minutes later as the Lakers carried a 2-0 lead into the half. In the second half, the Lakers really poured it on as Molea scored her second goal 6 minutes in to play. Fatuma Issa  followed that up with her first collegiate goal before Mercyhurst NE got on the board with a free kick from about 20 yards out. Molina then tallied her second goal of the afternoon before Mercyhurst scored on a penalty kick.  The Lakers continued to pressure though as Denver Falz scored her first collegiate goal before Molina added another to complete the hat trick. Sophomore Lora Stewart added the final goal on the day for the Lakers.

Lakeland carried the play most of the day as they relied heavily on a ball possession scheme. The Lakers outshot the Saints 23 to 5 and led in corners 9 to 0. After the game, head coach Steve Sivik commented,  "For the first game of the season, I was really pleased with our play.  When we become more familiar with each other, I believe we will really start to see our potential emerge.  I'm very proud of our players.  They are a great group to work with."   

The Lakers will return to action next Wednesday as they will travel to Mercyhurst NE to play the Saints again. On Saturday, Sept. 7, they travel to Battle Creek, MI to face their first league foe of the season, Kellogg CC. The following weekend, the Lakers will travel to Indiana to take on league opponent Ancilla College before stopping in Jackson, MI to take on Jackson CC.  The Lakers next home game is slated for Wednesday, September 18 at 4pm as they play host to Lorain County CC.