Jan. 27, 2007

Stats

Hamden, Conn. - Freshman Meghan Agosta's second period goal, her 27th of the season and fourth straight dating to yesterday's win over Yale, propelled #1 Mercyhurst to a 3-0 win over Quinnipiac and spoiled the Bobcats' first-ever game in their new arena. The Lakers improved to 23-1-2 overall and to 8-0-0 lifetime against Quinnipiac. The Bobcats dropped to 7-20-1.

Nearly 2000 fans, including hockey legend Gordie Howe who dropped the ceremonial first puck, viewed the contest at the Bobcats' brand new TD Banknorth Sports Center.

The teams played scoreless hockey in the first twenty minutes. The Lakers owned a 7-3 advantage in shots but failed on three power play opportunities. Mercyhurst was hit with one minor penalty in the opening period.

The Lakers took the lead when Agosta scored her fifth of the weekend at 4:05 for a 1-0 advantage. Agosta was helped by sophomore defender Natalie Payne, who stretched her scoring streak to nine games in the process. Mercyhurst owned a 14-5 margin in second period shots.

Sophomore Valerie Chouinard gave Mercyhurst some breathing room with her 21st of the year, from junior Jackie Jarrell, at 8:27 of the third. Junior Stephanie Jones closed the scoring with her 9th of the season, from Jarrell and senior Julia Colizza, at 12:28. Mercyhurst outshot the Bobcats 15-5 in the third and 36-13 for the game.

Agosta's goal extended her scoring streak to 14 games, her goal-scoring streak to 13, both team records, and tied her for the one-season, goal-scoring mark with 27. K.C. Gallo had 27 lamplighters in 1999-2000, the program's first year of existence. The goal was also her sixth game-winner of the season, tying the mark previously held by senior Stefanie Bourbeau.

The Lakers streak of six consecutive games with multiple power play goals came to a rude halt as Mercyhurst finished 0 for 8. The Bobcats were blanked in seven opportunities.

Senior goalie Laura Hosier picked up her 19th win of the season and recorded her seventh shutout. Senior Janelle Wolitski made 33 saves in defeat. The Lakers improved to 14-1-0 away from home and are now unbeaten in their last 14 games (13-0-1).

It was the second time Quinnipiac women's team had hosted the #1 team in the country. The Bobcats lost to St. Lawrence 5-1 at the Northford Ice Pavilion, their former home, in November of 2005.

Mercyhurst's lead over Wisconsin for the No. 1 seed is due largely to its strength of schedule and its success against it). Mercyhurst has played the second-toughest schedule to date, while Wisconsin's ranks just 12th. Wisconsin's schedule, however, will be tougher down the stretch.

Mercyhurst will start a six-game home stand next weekend when Niagara visits Friday and Saturday for 7pm and 2pm games respectively.