Box Score

POTSDAM, N.Y. – Sophomore Emily Janiga of the ninth-ranked Mercyhurst University women's hockey team scored in the second period to force a 1-1 tie against third-ranked Clarkson University on Saturday afternoon.

The Lakers improved to 3-3-1 overall in the season and are now 8-4-4 lifetime against the Knights. Clarkson is now 5-1-1 overall in the season.

After the opening period the Lakers trailed 1-0 after an even strength goal was score by Clarkson's Christine Lambert. Shelby Nisbet created a break up in the Lakers' defensive zone and sent the puck up lose in front of the Mercyhurst net. Lambert came from the left side of the ice and finished the puck behind goaltender Amanda Makela.

The Lakers were outshot by Clarkson only 12 to 10 throughout the first despite killing one penalty and had to overcome a Clarkson five on three at towards the end of the opening period.

Clarkson started the beginning of the second period on a power-play which Mercyhurst killed easily in the first 1:30 of play.

Sophomore Emily Janiga collected her first goal of the season on the equalizer at the 11:35 mark of the second period. Senior Christine Bestland took advantage of an opportunity with two Mercyhurst Lakers open in front of the Clarkson net after stripping the puck away from defensemen Erin Ambrose behind the goal.

Bestland then took a look before passing the puck behind the sight of netminder Erica Howe to Janiga who shot the puck to the top left corner of the goal. The Lakers offense was ignited after the goal as they took control the majority of the middle period. Junior Shelby Bram was also awarded an assist.

The third period was full of offense from both teams as the Lakers outshot Clarkson 6 to five for a three period total of 26 to 25 in favor of the Knights. The goaltenders efforts also were a contributing factor as both teams could not break past either Makela or Howe. For the second time this season, the Lakers headed into a five minute overtime period.

At the start of overtime, the Lakers were in the middle of a penalty kill that carried over from the end of regulation. Mercyhurst again would pull out on top of the kill and remain battling through overtime.

Just at the end of the Clarkson power-play, the Knights Olivia Howe created a turn over at the blue line and had a breakaway chance. Makela held composure as Howe tried to beat her to the right side of the net as Makela denied Clarkson the goal and potential game-winner.

Mercyhurst attempted just two shots to the Knights five during the overtime period and with the help of Makela the two teams skated to a tie. Makela improved to 3-3-1 after collecting 30 saves on 31 shots and allowed just one goal against the Knights throughout the entire weekend. Howe (5-1-1) made 26 saves in the tie.

All told, the Lakers special teams held Clarkson again to any power-play goals throughout the contest despite Clarkson having 14 shots on net. Mercyhurst was also held to 0 for 6 on their power-play opportunities with just five attempted shots.

Throughout the weekend, Bram collected two points on a goal and an assist to extend her scoring streak to seven games. Bram only needs six more assists to mark a career 50 assist at Mercyhurst while Janiga needs just five more points for a career-high 50 points after tallying a goal.

The Lakers return to the Mercyhurst Ice Center and host the University of Maine in a two game series on Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26. Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. respectively.