ERIE, Pa.- The fourth-ranked Mercyhurst women's ice hockey team returns to action after a weekend off due to Thanksgiving last weekend.  The Lakers are set to host CHA-newcomer Penn State University in a weekend series.  Penn State started its Division I program this year after participating as a club program during the 2011-12 season.
 
The Lakers have a seven-game winning streak and have shutout their opponents three times in the last four games, outshooting them 204 to 69.  Nine different Lakers scored a point in a two-game sweep at Yale November 16 and 17. Junior Christine Bestland, sophomore Vaila Higson and freshman Emily Janiga all scored three points in the twin 4-0 victories.
 
Mercyhurst is 12-1-1 so far. Bestland and Janiga lead the Lakers in points with 34 and 22 respectively. 
 
Goaltenders Stephanie Ciampa and Amanda Makela have shared time this season.  Ciampa, 8-0-0, has played in over 478 minutes and sports a 1.00 goals against average. She is fourth in the nation with a .951 save percentage.  Makela is 4-1-1, has played in over 364 minutes, has posted a .906 save percentage and a 2.14 goals against average.
 
Penn State University earned its first CHA win with a 3-2 win at Lindenwood on November 17.  The Lions have been outscored 45 to 36 so far, and are averaging 29.6 shots per game.  Shannon Yoxheimer had two assists in the 3-2 victory at Lindenwood. She leads her team in points with 17.  Taylor Gross leads the team in assists with ten.  Goaltender Nicole Paniccia has made 407 saves, has a .921 save percentage and a record of 5-6-1.
 
The Lakers host Penn State on Friday, November 30 at 7 and Saturday, December 1 at 2.  Saturday's contest also marks the annual women's hockey fundraiser, Beef & The Beatles. The festivities start right after Saturday's contest.