ERIE, Pa.- The #7/8 Mercyhurst women's hockey team shut out Robert Morris, 3-0, to win its College Hockey America (CHA) opener Friday night. Amanda Makela made 16 saves to post her 13^th career shutout.

Jaclyn Arbour put the Lakers ahead in the first period, scoring at the 6:53 mark for a 1-0 advantage. She split a pair of Colonial defensemen and then finished a forehand shot past the RMU goaltender as Hannah Bale and Kathy Donohue assisted on the score. It was Arbour's second goal of the season and second game-winner. The Lakers headed into the locker room with a one-goal edge after twenty minutes.

In the second period, Megan Whiddon scored for a 2-0 lead at the 1:56 mark. Shelby Bram found her on a centering pass from the right wing corner, as Whiddon drilled a shot from the left slot for her third goal of the year. Kirsten Miller also assisted.

Emily Janiga gave Mercyhurst insurance later in the frame, scoring a power-play goal from Jenna Dingeldein at the 10:44 mark.

Makela protected the margin from there, making eight saves in the second period. The Lakers controlled the puck in the third, outshooting the visitors, 14-2. Makela earned her fourth blanking of the season and the 13^th of her Laker career.

Shelby Bram won 20-23 faceoffs as Mercyhurst took 37 of 65 as a team. The Lakers held Robert Morris scoreless on four power play chances on the night. Mercyhurst finished one-of-five with the player advantage and outshot RMU, 35-16 in the contest.

Coach Michael Sisti has now guided his squad to 11 straight wins in CHA openers, dating back to the 2003-04 campaign.

Mercyhurst (7-1-1, 1-0-0) hosts Robert Morris (3-7-1, 0-1-0) tomorrow at the MIC. The CHA match is slated for a 2 p.m. faceoff.