ERIE, Pa. – Penn State scored 31 seconds into overtime to defeat the Mercyhurst women's hockey team 3-2 win Saturday at Mercyhurst Ice Center, forcing a 1-1 split of the two-game series for both teams.
In the first period, Mercyhurst was generating shot chances all over the ice but couldn't get any to go due to Nittany Lion goalie Daniela Paniccia's efforts in addition to the Penn State defense blocking ten shots in the first twenty minutes. Mercyhurst also got unlucky after hitting the post twice on prime opportunities to score the game's first goal.
The first goal ended up going to Penn State late in the first period. Amy Petersen and Bella Sutton strung together a nice passing play resulting in a Petersen one-timer finish past
Sarah McDonnell at the 18:24 mark. The Nittany Lions held the 1-0 lead entering the second period.
Penn State's best period came in the second when they outshot Mercyhurst 14-9, with ten of those shots coming on four different power plays. The Nittany Lions cashed in on one power play to double their lead at 15:58. Laura Bowman passed from the corner to set up Kelsey Crow's slapper in the middle of the ice for a score, putting Penn State up 2-0.
In their second straight game, the Lakers put together an impressive third period effort. It wasn't until the 13:10 mark in the period when the Lakers scored, but it gave them momentum going forward. On a delayed penalty call, Mercyhurst had six skaters on the ice to try and score before the power play started and they did just that.
Maggie Knott found the loss puck in the center of the crease and put it in the net for her first collegiate goal assisted by Accursi and
Paige Horton. Mercyhurst had a chance on the ensuing power play but weren't able to convert and continued to trail by one.
Less than 24 hours after scoring the tying and game-winning goals against PSU on Friday,
Taylor Accursi tied the score once again, this time with 1:21 remaining in regulation. Penn State was in the penalty box once again and Mercyhurst pulled McDonnell to make it six-on-four.
Jillian Skinner passed to Accursi who slapped on from the top of the right circle past Pannecia to tie the score on her third goal in two games. Both teams headed to overtime 2-2.
In the overtime period, Penn State wasted little time going on the attack.
Sam Isbell was sent to the box for hooking 20 seconds in, and the Nittany Lions took advantage shortly after. Petersen went upstairs with a wrist shot past McDonnell for her second the game and the game-winner, giving PSU the 3-2 victory.
The Lakers (2-7-1, 1-3-0) host Syracuse next weekend on Nov. 11-12. Game time on Friday is at 3 p.m. and Saturday's game will start at 2 p.m.
