Box Score

ERIE, Pa. – Senior Christine Bestland scored a hat trick to lead the eighth-ranked Mercyhurst University women's hockey team past Lindenwood 4-1 on Friday afternoon. The Lakers extended their winning streak to eight games.

Mercyhurst improved to 22-7-3 on the season and 15-3-1 in the CHA after matching the team's longest winning streak this season. Lindenwood fell to 5-24-2 on the season and are now 5-13-1 in the CHA.

The Lakers pressure kept on early and often as Mercyhurst marked 20 shots on net during the opening period. After hitting a few posts, sophomore Jenna Dingeldein broke through netminder Nicole Hensley at the 13:51 mark of the first period. Freshman Paige Horton collected an assist after taking a hard shot at the points. The rebound was picked up by Emily Janiga who dished it to Dingeldein.

Mercyhurst received a penalty at the start of the second period but it was all Mercyhurst as Bestland scored her first goal of the contest on a short-handed goal at the 3:44 mark. Bestland's shorthanded goal marked her fifth of the season as she extended her lead in the nation in that category. Senior Kaleigh Chippy was awarded the assist.

Before the end of the second Bestland gave her team a 3-0 lead on an even strength goal at the 17:27 mark. Sophomore Lauren Kilroy forced a turnover in her defensive end to force a four on one as Lindenwood was making a change. Kilroy fed the puck to Bestland who was in front who managed to get a breakaway. Bestland beat Hensley in between her legs to mark her second goal of the game.

Lindenwood battled for a two on one opportunity at the 9:14 mark of the third period to put their team on the board in the final minutes of regulation. Kendra Broad beat goaltender Amanda Makela to the top right corner of the net. Carrie Atkinson collected the assist.

The Lions battled for another goal as Hensley was pulled at the 18:49 mark of the game. Lindenwood could not set up into position around the Lakers defense. Finally, Bestland cleared the puck into the neutral zone and into the empty net to complete her hat trick at the 19:39 mark.

All told, the Lakers outshot Lindenwood 48 to 18 throughout the three periods. The Lakers did not allow a single power-play goal but were held to 0 for 4 with an extra attacker as well.

Makela picked up her 20th win of the season after stopping 17 of the 18 shots faced. She is now 20-6-3 on the season. Hensley fell to 5-23-2 on the season after stopping 44 of the 48 shots faced.

Both teams are back in action at the Mercyhurst Ice Center for the Lakers final regular season home game of the season on Saturday, February 22. Before the game all three seniors will be recognized and the annual Bill Smith Award recipient will be announced prior to the start of the game. Puck drop is set for 2:00 p.m.