Erie, Pa. - The Mercyhurst Women's Ice Hockey team looked to bounce back in a big way as they hosted St. Cloud for game one of a weekend series. Two first period goals were all the scoring that was needed as the Lakers took game one 2-0.  

How it Happened 

It didn't take long for the Lakers to strike this Friday night. After a tripping penalty on St. Cloud, Marielle Parks took advantage of the power-play and found the back of the net. Sydney Pedersen and Megan McKay added assists on the Parks goal. After another tripping penalty on St. Cloud, Marielle Parks strikes again. Parks found the back of the net for the second time in under a minute. This time Vanessa Upson and Emmi Mourujarvi assisted on the goal. After the quick start by the Lakers, St. Cloud tried to score quick, but could get anything past the Lakers defense. Emmi Mourujarvi blocked a shot by St. Cloud. Then the entire team got into the block party as Vanessa Upson, Mary Kromer, Makayla Javier, and Sydney Pedersen all blocked a shot within a two-minute span. The first period came to an end and the Lakers led 2-0.   

Period two saw both sides trade shots, saves, and penalties. A stretch of time in the period saw Kylee Mahoney throw her body in front of the puck for a block, and Ena Nystrom save several shots that St. Cloud put on net. Nystrom stood tall in the crease and didn't give an inch. Period two came to an end and the Lakers still held a 2-0 lead.  

The Lakers started period three on the power-play. Sofia Ljung tried to add a short-handed goal as she hit the post right away. The third period got chippy on both sides, as both St. Cloud and the Lakers traded penalties throughout the period. St. Cloud pulled their goalie late in the period to get the extra skater out on the ice. The Lakers were diving in front of every shot they could, and Ena Nystrom was flashing the leather on a number of huge saves. Tough defense allowed the Lakers to keep St. Cloud off the scoreboard.         

Highlights 

Marielle Parks scored both Lakers goals on the night, which were her third and fourth goals of the season. Sydney Pedersen, Vanessa Upson, Emmi Mourujarvi, and Megan McKay all had assists on the night. Sofia Ljung and Sydney Pedersen both blocked five shots. Ena Nystrom finished the night with 26 saves.  

Scoring Summary 

P1 – 3:30: Marielle Parks from Sydney Pedersen and Megan McKay 

P1 – 4:13: Marielle Parks from Vanessa Upson and Emmi Mourujarvi 

Next Up 

The Lakers and St. Cloud will play game two tomorrow afternoon at 2 PM in the Mercyhurst Ice Center.