ERIE, Pa. – The No.4 ranked Mercyhurst College Lakers took on a hungry West Chester University team that took the Lakers into a 2OT draw, 1-1. The Golden Rams struck early jumping out to an early 1-0 lead but the Lakers would find the net in the second period marking the 23rd time this year the Lakers have scored in the second half.  Both teams played very aggressive keeping the officials busy, but the defenses snuffed out any attack at the net.

Mercyhurst (12-0-3, 3-0-3) remains unbeaten, but misses out on the opportunity to pick up much needed points in the conference standings. West Chester (5-9-1, 0-6-1) ended their three game losing streak with the tie against the Lakers and picks up the teams first points in conference standings. Currently the Lakers are tied for third in the conference standings with three other PSAC teams.

Mercyhurst applied heavy offensive pressure all afternoon shooting the ball 28 times compared to the Golden Rams six. The Lakers held the corner kick advantage in the game as well, 11-0. Goal keeper Peter Weiss of the Golden Rams kept West Chester in the game playing a brilliant game in between the post, saving 11 Laker shots.

The first goal came rather quickly, in the 16^th minute Neil Gallagher of West Chester headed in a pass from Rickey Williamson that snuck past Laker goal keeper sophomore Diego Gustin. Gustin's 11^th goal allowed on the season, he also saved the only other shot the Lakers allowed on goal.

The game went back and forth until the 58^th minute of play when junior Alex Manea of Mercyhurst lofted a pass in front of the net only to be found by graduate student Christoph Hampel who placed it in the high left corner of the goal. The goal marks Hampel's 10^th goal of the season and he continues his hot streak, scoring six goals and adding three helpers in the past four games.

The Lakers are home again tomorrow (Oct.23); game time is set for 4 p.m. Mercyhurst takes on Millersville University for just the second time in school history.  If you are unable to attend the game live stats will be available, click here.