March 7, 2008

Stats

Niagara University, N.Y. - No. 7 Mercyhurst never trailed, but needed an empty-net goal from sophomore Meghan Agosta to clinch a 4-2 win over Niagara in a College Hockey America (CHA) semifinal game Friday night. The Lakers, 25-7-3 overall, will meet Wayne State (22-8-3) in the title game for the second straight year. The Warrriors eliminated Robert Morris 4-0 Friday afternoon. Game time Saturday is 7:00pm.

Mercyhurst senior team captain Stephanie Jones scored an unassisted even-strength goal six minutes into the game. Jones' 14th lamplighter of the season held up until early in the third when Niagara's Mary McKinnon collected her seventh of the season. Mercyhurst responded with two goals within a four-minute span later in the period to take control. Junior defender Natalie Payne cashed her fourth of the year at 6:02 and junior forward Valerie Chouinard followed with her 15th of the season, a power play score, at 9:57. Payne, a first-team All-Conference choice, was helped by senior Sherilyn Fraser and freshman Jesse Scanzano. Chouinard's game-winner was assisted by Scanzano and Payne.

But Niagara refused to go quietly and drew within 3-2 at 19:33 when McKinnon scored her second of the game after the Purple Eagles pulled goaltender Jill Zelonis for an extra skater. But Agosta put the game away when she scored her 38th goal of the season, into an empty net, at 19:59. Agosta was helped by both Chouinard and Scanzano.

Mercyhurst outshot Niagara 44-24 and totaled one power play goal in five chances. Niagara finished 0 for 6.

Mercyhurst senior Laura Hosier picked up her 20th win of the season while Zelonis suffered the loss.

Mercyhurst coach Michael Sisti was proud of the effort: "We have a very resilient team and one that's had to play through a lot of adversity this season. We were unselfish tonight and got a hard-fought win. We're looking forward to playing in tomorrow night's championship game."

Mercyhurst has won five successive CHA championships including a 4-1 win over the Warriors a year ago at Robert Morris. Wayne State won the season series 2-1-1 against Mercyhurst. Both wins came in overtime.