Syracuse, N.Y. - Mercyhurst opened College Hockey America (CHA) play Friday night with a 4-1 win at conference newcomer Syracuse. The Lakers improved to 5-4 overall while the Orange had a three-game winning streak snapped in falling to 3-7 overall and 0-3 in CHA. It was the first-ever meeting between the teams.

Syracuse jumped ahead 1-0 after a period when freshman forward Megan Skelly beat Mercyhurst rookie netminder Hillary Pattenden just 63 seconds into the game. The Lakers outshot the Orange 18-9 in the opening twenty minutes.

Mercyhurst took the lead midway in the second when it scored on back-to-back power plays. Junior Meghan Agosta connected for her first goal of the season at 8:14 to tie the contest and senior Valerie Chouinard followed suit 64 seconds later with her second lamplighter of the year. Mercyhurst owned a slight 11-9 advantage in middle period shots.

Sophomore winger Jesse Scanzano ensured Mercyhurst's fifth win of the season with a pair of even strength third period goals. Her first tally came at 13:43 and her second and team leading sixth goal came at 18:33.
It was her first multiple-goal game of the season and second of her career.

The Lakers outshot Syracuse 16-3 in the third and 45-21 overall. They finished with two power play goals in six tries. Syracuse was 0 for 5.

Chouinard's goal was also her second game-winner as the Lakers pinned the loss on Syracuse junior goalie Lucy Schoedel.

The teams will conclude the weekend series tomorrow afternoon at 2pm.