INDIANAPOLIS – Three teams remain nationally ranked as the young season progresses during new Great Midwest Athletic Conference Men’s Lacrosse Players of the Week released on Monday. 
 
Mercyhurst is the new top-ranked team from the league ranked at No. 7 in the new USILA Poll after starting the season ranked 10th in the country. The Lakers defeated No. 17 Wingate for an impressive non-conference victory.
 
Seton Hill, ranked third to start the season, suffered a setback against No. 18 UIndy at home in a very close overtime finish. The Griffins are now tied for eighth in the new rankings while Lake Erie was idle at No. 19 in the poll.
 
Offensive Player of the Week
Devin Pipher
Mercyhurst
Attack
Sophomore
Oshawa, Onatrio (Maxwell Heights HS)
 
On the road at Wingate with a 14-8 victory was an impressive way for Mercyhurst to start the spring. 
 
Pipher, the reigning Great Midwest Freshman of the Year (wore #99 last season), was a driving force behind the offense with a seven-point outing.
 
The rising sophomore scored three goals and had four assists while taking eight shots in the Lakers’ season opener. 
 
He was also credited with a pair of ground balls and a caused turnover. 
 
Mercyhurst has been the Great Midwest tourney runner-up for two consecutive seasons. Pipher is coming off a rookie season that included 19 goals and 17 assists in 16 games for head coach Chris Ryan and his program. 
 
Defensive Player of the Week
Hunter Emerson 
Mercyhurst
Goalkeeper
Senior
North East, PA (Cathedral Prep)
 
The Great Midwest has seen Matt Wells and Alec Starr excel between the pipes, and this year, it is Emerson’s turn in his senior year.
 
The goalkeeper shined in his 2019 debut with nine saves and just eight goals allowed against a potent Wingate offensive attack. 
 
Emerson faced 17 shots and played all 60 minutes to get credit for the winning decision over a nationally-ranked opponent.