After winning the Southern Conference and making it to the NCAA Championship, women's lacrosse is looking to make another big splash this season.
Despite a 5-23 loss to the University of Florida in the NCAA Championships, the Bears were still successful in their previous season despite their 7-8 record (2-2 in the SoCon). The Bears won't be making their next championship run through the SoCon, however, as Mercer has joined the Big South Conference after the SoCon stopped sponsoring women's lacrosse, according to the university's athletics site.
The Big South includes the following teams:
- Mercer University Bears
- Furman University Paladins
- Wofford College Terriers
- Campbell University Fighting Camels
- Gardner-Webb University Runnin' Bulldogs
- High Point University Prowlers
- Longwood University Lancers
- Presbyterian College Blue Hose
- Radford University Highlanders
- Winthrop University Eagles
The head coachs' poll for the Big South had the Bears finishing second behind High Point in the conference. The Bears also had two preseason all-conference nods for players Isea Cryne and Hailey Rhatigan.
With the preseason over, the Bears will contend with the University of Oregon on Friday and the University of Southern California on Saturday, both at home, to open their season.
Keith Holmes Jr. ‘22 is a journalism and creative writing double major who has worked with The Cluster as general staff since his Sophomore year. Keith has received Best in SNO awards for his sports articles along with years of work at Mercer’s ESPN3 branch. Keith spends his free time playing video games and writing fiction around campus.
