Syracuse, NY—Mercyhurst was finally able to take on Syracuse in a crucial CHA matchup with the Orange just a point behind the Lakers. The Lakers were able to have their highest scoring output of the season as they defeated the Orange 5-2 to move three points ahead of Syracuse in the standings.

How it Happened

The Lakers were able to jump out to a quick 1-0 lead as freshman Chantal Ste-Croix was able to open the scoring as she put the puck off the back of Syracuse goaltender Allison Small. It was Ste-Croix's third goal of the season, Jersey Phillips and Liliane Perreault tallied their second assists of the season.

Sophomore Ena Nystrøm fresh off her first career win stopped all 17 Orange shots in the first period as the Lakers headed into the locker room a lead for the fourth time this season.

After successfully killing of a Syracuse 5-3 powerplay junior Emily Pinto was able to take a pass from freshman Mary Kromer and drive past the Syracuse defense and beat Small on the short side for her second goal of the season.

In the second period, the Lakers were able to kill off three Syracuse powerplays. Nystrøm was once again able to stop all 17 shots from the Orange stopping a total of 34 as the Lakers held a lead after two periods for the sixth time this season.

The Lakers came out hot to start the third period as freshman Sara Boucher took a cross-crease pass from Pinto and made no mistake as she ripped her fifth goal of the season into the back of the net.

Just under a minute later, while on a four on two rush, Grace Nelles was able to pick up her second goal in as many games. Calista Rowbottom picked up her first career point while Alexa Vasko picked up her forth assist of the season as the Lakers extended their lead to four.

Three minutes later Pinto struck once again for her second of the game. Pinto was able to find the bouncing puck and turned around and beat the backup goalie Amelia Van Vliet as the Lakers took the 5-0 lead. K.K. Theissen picked up her team leading fifth assist.

Syracuse ruined Nystrøm's first career shutout bid with 6:35 remaining in regulation to make it 5-1 and added another one with 1:07 remaining the game. Nystrøm was able to stop 43 shots of 45 shots which is a new season high for the Laker goaltenders, while picking up her second career win.

Battle of Special Teams

The Lakers were able to keep the Orange off the scoreboard while they were on the powerplay. Syracuse came into the weekend with the second best powerplay in the nation. Despite giving up 19 powerplay shots the Lakers were able to go six for six on the penalty kill.

Up Next

Mercyhurst and Syracuse will face off tomorrow for the second time this season with puck drop set for 3 PM in Syracuse.