Erie, Pa. - The Mercyhurst Women's Ice Hockey team hosted #9 Cornell for game two of their weekend series with the Big Red. A late third period goal and an empty net goal for Cornell pushed the Big Red past the Lakers 3-1.  

How it Happened 

Ena Nystrom was tested early in this one and she was up for the test, saving each shot put on goal. Just before the midway point of the period, the Lakers took a 1-0 lead. Sydney Pedersen put a shot on goal that was saved, Vanessa Upson picked up the loose puck and took a shot that was saved, but Thea Johansson picked the rebound and put it in the back of the net. The Lakers took a penalty for body checking that gave Cornell a powerplay. The Lakers were able to kill off the penalty and keep the one goal lead. Just before the end of the first period, the Laker defense stood tall. Marielle Parks blocked a shot, Cornell got the rebound and put another shot on goal and Ena Nystrom made a nice glove save. After a face-off win by Cornell, they put three more shots on goal, all saved by Ena Nystrom. After one period of play the Lakers led 1-0. 

Cornell got on the board early in the second period. Izzy Daniel found the back of the net to tie the game at one. Both sides traded shots and saves the rest of the period. The Lakers had a chance to take the lead back, as Kylee Mahoney took a shot from right in front of the net that got saved and bounced back out to Marielle Parks who took a shot and Annelies Bergmann just got the tip of her glove on it. Cornell looked to take the lead, but Mary Kromer and Emmi Mourujarvi both blocked a shot. The Lakers took a high sticking penalty, so Cornell had the advantage. The Lakers killed off another penalty and got back to full strength. After two periods of play, the game was tied 1-1. 

Both sides went back and forth in the third period, both sides looking for that opportunity to capitalize and take the lead. Ena Nystrom continued her great play in the net as she kept racking up saves. With five minutes to play in the game, Cornell took the lead. Kaitlin Jockims took a shot that squeaked through the defense and into the net. In the late stages of the game, Cornell had a 2-1 lead. Looking to get the tying goal, the Lakers pulled the goalie to get the extra skater on the ice. Izzy Daniel took a shot at the open net and scored to extend the lead with just under a minute left of play. The final seconds ticked off the clock and Cornell came away with a 3-1 win.    

Highlights 

Thea Johansson scored her fifth goal of the season.  

Vanessa Upson tallied her third assist of the season. 

Sydney Pedersen extends her point streak to three games with an assist.  

Ena Nystrom finished the game with 44 saves, including 21 in the first period.  

Three different Lakers finished with two blocked shots, Makayla Javier, Marielle Parks and Sara Boucher.  

Scoring Summary 

P1 | 9:00 | Thea Johansson from Vanessa Upson and Sydney Pedersen 

Next Up 

The Lakers will stay at home next weekend as they welcome in Robert Morris for the CHA opener.  Puck-drop for Friday's game is set for 6 PM.