HAMDEN, Conn. – The Mercyhurst University women's hockey team suffered a 2-1 setback at Quinnipiac University on Saturday afternoon to conclude a two-game weekend series at the Highpoint Solutions Arena. The two teams played to a 3-3 overtime tie on Friday night. The unranked Lakers, members of College Hockey America, are now 0-1-1 on the young season while the seventh-ranked Bobcats, members of the ECAC, improved to 1-0-1.

Sophomore forward Taylar Cianfarano put Quinnipiac ahead 1-0 at 7:33 of the first period when she beat Mercyhurst sophomore netminder Jessica Convery (0-1-0). Convery, with only 19:49 of playing time in her career, was making her first collegiate start.

Mercyhurst senior forward Jenna Dingeldein got the Lakers even seven minutes later, besting Bobcats' junior goalie Sydney Rossman (1-0-1). It was Dingeldein's 49th goal and 114th point of her career. Senior forward Emily Janiga, who cashed a pair of goals Friday, helped.

There was no further scoring in the period during which the Bobcats had a 9-7 shot advantage.

Quinnipiac junior forward Meghan Turner scored the eventual game-winning goal at 3:51 of the second. Neither team was able to find the back of the net in the final 36:09 of play.

The Lakers had a golden opportunity to tie and, perhaps, take the lead in the third when the Bobcats were whistled for a five-minute boarding penalty at 11:16. But the Quinnipiac defense stiffened. Mercyhurst pulled Convery late in the third, but was stymied again.

Mercyhurst outshot Quinnipiac 26-22 thanks to a 10-5 margin in the second and a 9-8 advantage in the third. Convery was credited with 20 saves while Rossman, who allowed an extra-attacker tying goal with under a minute to play Friday, finished with 25.

The Lakers took only one penalty for the second straight game as the Bobcats' power play was blanked in two tries over the weekend. The Lakers finished 0-for-3 with the skater advantage Saturday and 1-for-6 in the weekend series.  

The Lakers will return to action Friday night, October 9, when they entertain the Buffalo Beauts for an exhibition tilt. Buffalo defeated Mercyhurst 4-1 September 25 at the Ice Center. Faceoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

Mercyhurst will resume regular season play when it travels to Hockey East-member Northeastern for a pair of games on Friday, October 16, at 2:00 p.m. and Saturday, the 17th, at 1:00 p.m.