The Lakers, who fall to 1-1 in the preseason, allowed just one even-strength marker to a team highlighted by several members from the squad that defeated Canada, 4-3, at the world championships in China this past April.

 

After playing through a scoreless first period, Team USA opened up the second with back-to-back markers.

 

Natalie Darwitz put the home team up, 1-0, when she took a loose puck from the left circle and glided behind the net for the wrap-around at 6:54 followed by Caitlin Cahow who increased the advantage with the team's first power-play goal at 9:21.

 

Mercyhurst closed out the scoring with 5:52 left in the frame when freshman Kelley Steadman tickled the twine on an unassisted power-play score.

 

Despite the late tally though, Team USA would seal the game with two extra-man goals in the third. Angela Ruggiero made the score, 3-1, with a rifle shot from the point at 3:00 while Julie Chu added an insurance marker thanks to a cross-crease pass with less than seven minutes to play.

 

Team USA outshot Mercyhurst, 32-15, but only found the net four times thanks to senior Courtney Drennen's 28-save performance.

 

Mercyhurst concludes its series with Team USA on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m.