Box Score

MANKATO, Minn. – The seventh ranked Mercyhurst University women's hockey team lost 4-2 to Minnesota State-Mankato in its opening contest of the 2013-14 season Friday night. The Lakers fall to 0-1-0 in the early season, while Minnesota State-Mankato is 1-0-0.

Senior Christine Bestland tallied the first goal of the contest, giving Mercyhurst the 1-0 edge after the first period. With the goal, Bestland extended her scoring streak to eight games, dating back to last sesn. Bestland is on pace to break her longest scoring streak (11), set her sophomore year. Goaltender Amanda Makela tallied her second career assist.

The Lakers outshot the Mavericks, 14 to 11. 

Two early second period goals by the Mavericks, gave them a 2-1 lead. Shelby Moteyunas scored a power-play goal at the 6:30 mark of the second period, followed by an even strength goal from Natalie Stoltz at 9:29.

Mercyhurst senior forward Kaleigh Chippy tied the game at 2-2 late in the second. Freshman Jillian Skinner picked up her first collegiate point as a Mercyhurst Laker with the assist. Junior Shelby Bram also assisted on the tying goal. The Mavericks owned a 12-10 shot advantage in the second period.

Minnesota State- Mankato scored two early goals in the third period to conclude the scoring. Katie Johnson scored her first goal of the season, and first game-winner at the 4:18 mark. Kathleen Rogan put in another goal just two minutes later.

Despite the loss, Mercyhurst outshot the Mavericks 41 to 30. Bestland contributed ten shots, while senior Christie Cicero attempted nine.

Junior Amanda Makela suffered her first loss of the early season, allowing four goals on 30 shots attemped. Mavericks Danielle Butters allowed two goals on 41 shots for the win.

Both teams are back in action at the All Season Arena on Saturday, September 28, to conclude the two-game series. Puck drop is set for 2:07 p.m. EST.