Mercyhurst Magazine Spring 2020

Lakers tapped for ‘Friendship Four’

The Mercyhurst men’s hockey team will join fellow Atlantic Hockey teams Army and Sacred Heart to compete in the 2020 Friendship Four next fall in Belfast, Northern Ireland. They’re the frst Atlantic Hockey teams chosen for the Friendship Four, one of the premier events of the college hockey season. The Lakers will face Quinnipiac University of the ECAC in the frst round on Nov. 27. "It is truly an honor to have Mercyhurst selected to participate in the Friendship Four next year," said Director of Athletics Brad Davis. "Mercyhurst University has many roots in Ireland, and it is truly a natural ft for us to have the privilege to play college hockey in Belfast." In addition to a pair of hockey games, the team will take part in cultural experiences, including visiting local youth groups and exploring the deep history of Northern Ireland. Women’s bowling debuts Mercyhurst launched its 26th varsity athletic program in fall 2019 when the women’s bowling team competed in its frst tournament on Oct. 11. Under the direction of Erie native and Professional Bowling Association member Michael Machuga, the Lakers scored their frst win in their opening tournament with an 807-688 victory over Belmont Abbey. Haley Youker led Mercyhurst with a pair of individual frst-place fnishes at the Medaille Invitational and the Wildcat Invitational, where she was named the Most Valuable Player. Youker led the Laker roster with a 204.3 game average with a high of 1,124. She was named the ECC Co-Bowler of the Week at the end of the fall season.

‘Fighting for Folgs’ campaign honored Mercyhurst University earned third place in the NCAA Division II Award of Excellence for 2020, in recognition of last year’s “Fighting for Folgs” campaign. When veteran hockey equipment manager Mike Folga was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, the Mercyhurst Student-Athlete Advisory Committee hosted “Fighting for Folgs” to raise money for the Folga family and the American Cancer Society. The Award of Excellence recognizes initiatives in the past year that exemplify the Division II philosophy, community engagement, and student-athlete leadership. Though Folga died Aug. 31, 2019, his legacy will continue at Mercyhurst with the creation and funding of the endowed Mike Folga Legacy Scholarship as the senior gift of the Class of 2020.

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