Jan. 30, 2008

Erie, Pa. - The Mercyhurst men's lacrosse team was ranked No. 2 in the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) 2008 Division II Coaches Preseason Poll, released Thursday. Mercyhurst advanced to the NCAA Division II national Championship game for the first time in program history a year ago, finishing with a record of 13-2.

The reigning national champion, Le Moyne, was selected as the top team in the country and was the only team to defeat Mercyhurst a year ago. East Coast Conference opponent New York Institute of Technology was voted third behind the Lakers, with Limestone and Dowling filling the No. 4 and No.5 spots, respectively. Dowling is an East Coast Conference opponent as well.

Rounding out the bottom five was Bryant at No.6 and C.W. Post at No.7, while Merrimack, Adelphi and St. Michael's filled the bottom three spots.

The Lakers are led by four preseason All-Americans in goalkeeper Jason LaShomb, defender Matt Spahr, midfielder Mike Thon, and attacker David Osier.

The No. 2 Lakers open the season against Queens (N.Y.) on Feb. 24th.