Complete Box Score

ERIE, Pa. - Senior defenseman Jill Szandzik scored her third goal of the season 1:58 into overtime, leading the fifth-ranked Mercyhurst women's hockey team to a 5-4 win over College Hockey America-rival Niagara on Friday night at the Mercyhurst Ice Center. The Lakers improved to 16-4-1 overall and 2-0-1 in conference play. The Purple Eagles dropped to 7-10-5 overall and 0-1-0 against CHA opponents.

Szandzik scored her second overtime winner of the season and completed the come-from-behind victory over the Purple Eagles to extend Mercyhurst's conference unbeaten streak to 26 consecutive games (25-0-1). Senior Kelley Steadman took the initial shot and then Szandzik, who pinched in from the point, poked home the rebound past Niagara goaltendert Abby Ryplanski to propel the Lakers to victory. Szandzik also scored a game-winning goal at fourth-ranked Boston College on December 10.

The Lakers jumped out in front 1-0 just 3:21 into the first period on the second goal of the season from junior Stephanie DeSutter. The junior, who has been playing forward over the course of the last several games, parked in front on the Niagara goal and banged home a rebound past Ryplanski. Senior Jess Jones and freshman Caroline Luczak had the assists.

However, just 19 seconds later, Niagara tied the game at 1-1 courtesy of a goal from Kristen Richards, who slid a shot right through the five-hole of Mercyhurst goaltender Hillary Pattenden. Jenna Hendrikx had her first of two assists on the night.

Mercyhurst outshot Niagara in the first period, 16-7.

The Purple Eagles capitalized on a 5-on-3 power play, scoring on both penalties to take a 3-1 lead just 3:02 into the middle stanza. Kaleigh Chippy scored the first at 1:44 on assists from Erin Burns and Kelsey Gunn, then Jessica Hitchcock scored at 3:02 from Hendrikx and Jocey Kleiber.

Mercyhurst head coach Michael Sisti decided to take a timeout after Niagara's second goal, and the Lakers responded. Sophomore Christie Cicero scored a power play goal at 6:02, cutting the Niagara lead to 3-2. Cicero's fifth goal of the season was assisted by freshmen Shelby Bram and Vaila Higson. Then, at 11:03, Steadman blasted a one-timer past Ryplanski to tie the game at 3-3. It was Steadman's 20th goal of the season, trailing only senior Bailey Bram's 21 goals for the team lead. The power play goal was assisted by freshman Molly Byrne and Bailey Bram. Shots were dead even at 11 in the second period.

Niagara recaptured a one-goal lead at 4-3 at the 10:21 mark of the third period as Gunn cut in from the left point and went top shelf over the shoulder of Pattenden. Chelsea Witwicke and Kalli Funk had the assists.

But, the Lakers would not be denied on home ice. Senior Jess Jones scored a power play goal with just 4:05 left in regulation, knotting the game at 4-4. Bailey Bram and sophomore Christine Bestland had the assists on Jones' 10th goal of the season. The senior from Picton, Ontario becomes the fourth Laker this season to register double-digit goals on the year, joining Bram, Steadman, and Bestland.

Mercyhurst held a 14-6 shot advantage in the third period.

The Lakers, who entered with the nation's top power play unit, finished the night 3-for-6 with the skater advantage. Niagara went 2-for-7 on the power play.

Jones earned the game's first star, finishing with one goal and two assists to lead the Laker offense. With Bailey Bram's two points on Friday, she reached 50 points for the season with 21 goals and 29 assists. Steadman also had a multi-point game, finishing with a goal and an assist.

Pattenden improved to 14-4-1 this season with a 20-save performance. She now has 94 career wins, as she adds on to her NCAA Division I record and inches closer to becoming the only goaltender to reach 100 career victories. Ryplanski suffered the loss, stopping 38 Mercyhurst shots. She dropped to 5-6-2 on the season.

The two teams will reconvene in Niagara Falls, N.Y. on Saturday afternoon for a 2:00 p.m. faceoff from the Dwyer Arena.