Rochester, NY— The Lakers were able to beat the RIT Tigers 4-0 after falling to the Tigers last night 1-0. With the win the Lakers won the season series 3-1 while outscoring the Tigers 11-3 in the four matchups.
How it Happened
The Lakers were able to get out a lead at the 14:39 mark of the first period when freshman Sara Boucher took a pass from freshman Grace Nelles in the top of slot. Boucher took the shot through traffic and senior captain Alexa Vasko was able to deflect it past Taylor Liotta who shutout the Lakers a night ago. Grace Nelles picked up her first collegiate point while Vasko picked up her first goal of the season.
The Tigers threw nine shots on sophomore goalie Jenna Silvonen who made her third start of the season. The Laker netminder was able to turn away all nine shots in the first period.
The Lakers decided a one goal lead wasn't enough, just 2:15 into the second period the Vasko, Grace Nelles, Boucher trio connected once again as Boucher took a pass from Vasko, skated down the left side and put a laser into the top right corner of the net. Vasko, Boucher, and Grace Nelles each picked up their second points of the afternoon.
Mercyhurst wasn't able to add anymore to their lead but, the Lakers outshot the Tigers 15-4 and controlled the game during the second period.
In the third period, the Tigers took a penalty at the 4:21 mark, Boucher nearly extended the Laker lead to three as she beat Liotta, but the puck bounced off the post to keep the Laker lead at two.
The Lakers extended their lead just a few seconds after their powerplay ended as freshman Chantel Ste-Croix netted her first goal of her collegiate career taking a pass from fellow freshman Mary Kromer from behind the net, Ste-Croix was able to sneak the puck past Liotta.
With 16:55 elapsed in the 3rd period and with a Laker in the box and Liotta on the bench for the extra skater, Megan Korzack was able to put the puck in the empty net increasing the Laker lead to four.
The Lakers were able to keep the Tigers off the board while only allowing 18 shots to get to Silvonen who was able to stop all 18 to secure her third career shutout.
Afternoon of Firsts
A few Lakers were able to check some firsts off for both this season and their Mercyhurst careers. Both Kromer and Grace Nelles were able to tally their first career points. Ste-Croix didn't want to feel left out so she decided it would be a good day to score her first career goal.
Vasko also netted her first of the season Silvonen and the Lakers were able to secure their first shutout of the season.
What Advantage?
Mercyhurst has been perfect on the penalty kill through the first four games of the young season. They have successfully killed all 19 penalties, today they added their first shorthanded goal of the year as Korzack was able to seal the game with an empty net goal.
What's Next
The Lakers will start a home and home series with Robert Morris on January 15th in Erie. Mercyhurst was scheduled to play Sacred Heart on Sunday, however that game has been postponed due to COVID-19 protocols at Sacred Heart.
