Erie, PA—The Mercyhurst Women's Hockey took the ice tonight to take on the Penn State Nittany Lions, despite Summer-Rae Dobson and Sara Boucher netting a goal each for the Lakers, Mercyhurst fell by a score of 5-2 to the Number 8 Nittany Lions.
Playoff Picture
At the time of publishing, Robert Morris and Syracuse were sill in the first game of their two-game series. The Lakers would need to win tomorrow and have Robert Morris lose both games this weekend jump into the second position. If Syracuse beats Robert Morris in their last two games and the Lakers lose their final regular season game of the season the Lakers will finish in fourth in the CHA. If Robert Morris wins both games, Mercyhurst will be the three seed no matter the result of their final game.
How it Happened
The Nittany Lions jumped out a 3-0 lead after the first period despite only having 11 shots in the first period. The Lakers were able to send eight shots toward the Penn State goalie but could not beat her in the first frame.
When the Lakers came out for the second period Head Coach Michael Sisti made a change in net, Ena Nystrøm's night had ended, and Jenna Silvonen took over in the cage for the Lakers.
Despite the change, the Nittany Lions extended their lead just 1:55 into the period.
The Lakers, down 3-0 nothing would score their only two goals of the night in the middle frame. Dobson was able to score her fourth goal of the season. Dobson jumped on the ice off the bench deked one defender and cut to the slot and ripped a wicked backhand past the Penn State netminder.
With just 15 seconds remaining in the second period the Lakers were able to strike again to make it a two-goal game heading into the third. On the powerplay, the Lakers were able to work the puck around the zone, Rachel Marmen threw the puck towards to the front of the net, where the puck went off Boucher's stick for her 12th goal of the season while Marmen and Dobson picked up assists.
The two teams came out for the third period and 5:40 into the period the Nittany Lions regained their three-goal lead. Mercyhurst would only muster up five shots on goal in third period while having 23 for the game. The Lakers were able to hold Penn State to 29 shots which is 11 below their average.
Battle on Special Teams
The Lakers were able to convert on one of their three powerplays, while also shutting down the Penn State powerplay that is third in the CHA. Mercyhurst was 5-5 on the penalty kill and only allowed two powerplay shots.
Up Next
The Lakers and Nittany Lions will square off tomorrow at the Mercyhurst Ice Center with puck drop scheduled for 2:05 PM in both teams final regular season game of the season.
