DETROIT, Mich. – Junior Ashley Cockell scored two goals, including the game-winner with 1:21 remaining in the third period, as the top-ranked Mercyhurst College women's hockey team defeated Syracuse, 3-1, in the College Hockey America Championship Game Saturday evening at the City Sports Arena in Detroit, Mich. 

With the victory, the Lakers captured their eighth-straight CHA Tournament title and ninth-consecutive conference championship dating back to the 2001-02 season, when they were members of the Great Lakes Women's Hockey Association (GLWHA).

Mercyhurst outshot the Orange 51-20, but was limited to two even-strength goals as Syracuse goaltender Lucy Schoedel made a tournament-record 48 saves. Junior captain Jesse Scanzano added the Lakers' third goal of the game with Schoedel out of the net at 19:09.

Cockell put the Lakers out in front, 1-0, late in the first period when she took a pass from sophomore Bailey Bram and best Schoedel at the 15:44 mark. Scanzano earned the secondary assist on the play.

The lead would remain intact for nearly 30 minutes until Stefanie Marty scored on a 5-on-3 power play to tie the game with 5:11 elapsed in the third period. The goal marked the third-straight game Syracuse scored against MC with two players in the penalty box.
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With time running down, and Syracuse building momentum after three MC penalties, the Lakers broke the tie with a highlight reel goal. Cockell took a pass from junior Cassea Schols in the neutral zone and skated in all alone for a one-on-one opportunity with the netminder. As Schoedel slid to the far post to take away any angle, Cockell gave her a fake and sent the puck five hole for the score, giving the Lakers a 2-1 lead at 18:39.

Cockell, who finished the tournament with three goals, was named tournament MVP, while Bram, Scanzano and junior captain Melissa Lacroix earned spots on the all-tournament team.

Sophomore Hillary Pattenden recorded the win with 19 saves and her second career assist, the secondary helper on Scanzano's empty-net goal. She improves to 28-2-3 on the season and 4-0 in CHA Tournament games.

Mercyhurst, standing at 29-2-3, will now await word from the NCAA selection committee to see if the Lakers will make their sixth-consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament. The selection show is set for Sunday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. on ncaasports.com.