Erie, Pa. – Sophomore Ryan Zapolski made 30 saves and assisted on the game-winning score as the Mercyhurst College men's hockey team defeated Sacred Heart, 2-1, in an Atlantic Hockey contest Friday evening at the Mercyhurst Ice Center. With the win, the Lakers improve to 8-12-2 overall and 6-6-2 in conference action.

Zapolski, who earned the game's second star for his performance, held the Pioneers scoreless through nearly 60 minutes of play. Eric Giosa broke up the shutout bid when he scored with an extra attacker on the ice with just 53 seconds remaining in the third period.

The Lakers built an early lead for their netminder thanks to a Sacred Heart turnover in the first period. Sophomore Scott Pitt netted his ninth goal of the season when he took a pass from senior Matt Pierce at the blueline and sent it sailing over the shoulder of Stefan Drew at the 4:52 mark. Sophomore Jeff Terminesi was credited with the secondary assist.

Mercyhurst increased its lead to 2-0 and eventually sealed the game with a short-handed score in the second period. Set up by a couple of long passes from Zapolski and senior Brett Robinson, junior Chris Risi beat Drew for his fourth goal of the season with 4:32 elapsed in the frame.

The Lakers controlled the pace of the game with a 36-31 advantage in shots, but were held scoreless on six power-play chances. Sacred Heart was 0-for-4 with the extra-man.

Both teams meet again for the second game of the series on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 7:05 p.m.