ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst College men's hockey team won its second straight game by defeating Holy Cross, 3-1, on Friday evening in an Atlantic Hockey Association contest at the Mercyhurst Ice Center.

The Lakers jumped out to an early lead with two goals in the first period before depositing an empty-net score in the final seconds of the third to secure their ninth win of the season (9-11-2, 7-8-0 AHA).

Freshmen Taylor Holstrom and John Mousso and sophomore Grant Blakey all scored for Mercyhurst, while senior Ryan Zapolski earned the win in goal with 34 saves.

In a fast-paced first period, the Lakers broke through the Crusader defense with back-to-back goals in the final 10 minutes of the frame. Holstrom pushed the Lakers out to a 1-0 lead when he connected on a feed from sophomore Paul Chiasson on the power play at the 11:56 mark. Blakey doubled the advantage nearing the end of the frame, taking a pass from senior Mike Gurtler and burying it over the head of Adam Roy with under two minutes to play.

Both teams played through a scoreless second period before exchanging blows in the third. Holy Cross cut the deficit in half as Jeffery Reppucci converted on the man-advantage with 4:16 elapsed off the clock, while Mousso ended a Holy Cross comeback attempt in the final minute when he scored his first collegiate goal into an empty net at 19:36.

Mercyhurst outshot the Crusaders 36-35 for the game and converted 1-for-4 on the power play. Holy Cross finished 1-for-3 with the man-advantage.

Both teams close out the two-game series on Saturday, Jan. 15 with a 7:05 p.m. contest at the Mercyhurst Ice Center.