Box Score

ERIE, Pa. – The eighth-ranked Mercyhurst University women's hockey team tied Lindenwood University 2-2 at the end of overtime on Saturday afternoon. The Lakers finished their regular season the CHA Regular Season Champions with a record of 22-7-4. Lindenwood finished their regular season with a 5-24-3 record.

Prior to the contest, three seniors were honored for their contributions throughout their time with the Mercyhurst women's hockey program. Also two Lakers, seniors Christine Bestland and Christie Cicero were honored with the "Bill Smith Award" prior to opening faceoff. The Bill Smith Award is given to a senior women's hockey player who exhibits exemplary qualities in the classroom, community, and on the ice.

For the first time in the Lakers history against Lindenwood, the Lakers trailed the Lions 1-0 after skating through a scoreless first period. At the 9:23 mark, Lindenwood's Lyndsay Kirkham scored her sixth goal of the season to give her team the 1-0 edge. Jocelyn Slattery and Kendra Broad were awarded the assists.

Less than a minute later, junior Shelby Bram scored her eighth goal of the season off a rebound from goaltender Nicole Hensley. Senior Christie Cicero took the initial shot from an odd angle at the right side of the net. Bram picked up the puck after crossing through traffic in the center and shot the puck back door.

After the second period, the Lakers were outshooting Lindenwood 22 to 17 after contributing 13 shots in the second. Lindenwood, who tallied 13 shots in the first period, were held to just four shots on net.

Lindenwood's Alyssa West gave her team the 2-1 lead at the 8:57 mark in the final period. With the momentum swaying Lindenwoods way, the Lions capitalized after a rush into the offensive zone. Jordyn Constance had the only assist after feeding the puck to West on the left hand side of Mercyhurst goaltender Amanda Makela.

Lindenwood suffered a penalty for Mercyhurst to have their fourth power-play of the contest. Sophomore Jenna Dingeldein scored the tying goal at the 13:02 mark after a one timer at the top half of the circle. Sophomore Emily Janiga rotated the puck to junior Molly Byrne at the point. Molly then fed the puck across ice to Dingeldein who took a hard shot to the top left corner of the net.

Both teams skated through the end of regulation and past a five minute overtime to conclude the 2-2 tie. All told, Mercyhurst tallied 43 shots on net after marking back to back 13 shot periods. Lindenwood collected 22 shots. The Lakers also held Lindenwood to 0 for 5 on their power-play.

Makela stopped 20 of the 22 shots faced throughout the game. She improved to 22-6-4 in net for the Lakers. Hensley stopped 41 saves after allowing just two goals. She improved to 5-23-3.

The Lakers host the College Hockey America Championships on Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8. Robert Morris also received the bye after beating Penn State on Friday. First round of the CHA Championships will begin on Friday, February 28.