ERIE, Pa.- The #8/9 Mercyhurst women's hockey team defeated Minnesota State, 2-1, Saturday afternoon. Emily Janiga and Taylor Accursi scored for the Lakers in the non-conference match at the Mercyhurst Ice Center.
 
Mercyhurst was in control from the start, outshooting the Mavericks, 10-5, in the first period. Late in the frame on a power play, J'nai Mahadeo found Sarah Robello, who blasted a shot that was stopped. The loose puck came to Janiga, who scored her fifth goal of the season at the 16:25 mark, putting the Lakers on the board.
 
In the second period, the hosts wasted little time stretching their advantage. Kathy Donohue won a faceoff and the puck ended up on the stick of Accursi, who fired a shot into the back of the net, giving the Lakers a 2-0 lead. It marked Accursi's first career goal as a Laker. Mercyhurst went on to hold a 10-2 lead in shots for the middle period.
 
Coach Michael Sisti's squad continued to pound the MSU zone, but could not find another score. The Mavericks cut the margin in half with a goal 56 seconds into the third, but the Laker defense kept the visitors from tying the contest.
 
Amanda Makela finished with eight saves on the day. The Lakers won 29-46 faceoffs. Erin Krichiver made 28 stops for the Mavericks.
 
Mercyhurst has now 15 of 18 all-time meetings with Minnesota State.
 
Mercyhurst moved to 6-1-1. MSU fell to 0-4-1 on the year. The Lakers open College Hockey America action next weekend, hosting Robert Morris for a two-game set at the MIC October 31-November 1.