The Gannon-Mercyhurst women's lacrosse series has always been intense and this year's match-up should be no different. The two programs will clash Friday, May 2 at Gannon University Field in a match-up that is expected to be one of the tightest in the history of the all-time series. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Both teams come into Friday's regular-season finale ranked among the nation's best. Gannon is tabbed eighth among NCAA Division II schools with a 10-4 record. Mercyhurst is ranked seventh with a 12-2 record. Friday's contest is also a “must win” for the Lakers, who are ranked third in the latest NCAA Division II South regional rankings. A loss would eliminate them from NCAA post-season contention.

Gannon has won four of its last five matches following a 19-10 road victory at Molloy (N.Y.) last Sunday. The Lady Knights have reached double digits in victories during each of the last four seasons.

Kayla Nelson (Oswego, N.Y./Oswego) leads Gannon's attack with 12 goals and a team-best 52 assists. Colleen Dixon (Lafayette, N.Y./Lafayette) is Gannon's leading goal scorer with 53.

Mercyhurst rides a nine-match win streak into Friday's fray and has not lost since a 14-12 setback to third-ranked Adelphi (N.Y.) on March 16. The Lakers have already set a school record for most victories in a season (12). Breanna Haggerty (Skaneateles, N.Y./Skaneateles) headlines Mercyhurst's offense with 69 goals and 21 assists.

Gannon has won the last four matches played between the two rivals and leads the all-time series 9-2. Gannon head coach Steve Wagner is 4-1 all-time against Mercyhurst.