Erie, Pa — Mercyhurst opened their season with a massive matchup against #13 Ohio State University. It's the second straight year they opened up against Ohio State, and were looking for their first win against the Buckeyes since 2021, but fell shot losing 4-3 by letting in three goals in the third period.
How it Happened
It was an aggressive, fast paced start as many would expect with such a big game to start the season. Ohio State put the pressure on the defense early, firing 16 shots within the first 11 minutes of the game. Lakers goalie, #31 Owen Say, made his presence known by saving 11 of those shots, and would remain a big factor in the rest of the game. The Lakers sprung out in front at the 12 minute mark after #2 Philip Waugh snuck past two defenders in the Buckeyes half to slot it in for a 1-0 lead. Owen Say would have 7 more saves to close out the period, to keep the Laker lead 1-0.
It wouldn't take long for Ohio State to fight back in the second period. Just over 3:30 into the period, #18 Michael Gildon, would even up the score 1-1, putting Mercyhurst's resiliency to the test. But the Lakers wouldn't take long to answer that question as newly named captain Marko Reifenberger rifled won in the goal on a great pass from Nicholas Kent. The rest of the second period would have Mercyhurst holding the line as the defense saw over double the amount of shots the offense produced, being out shot 19-7 to end the second still on top 2-1.
The third period would start similarly to the second, with the Buckeyes pushing hard. They would bag a goal just 57 seconds in, #23 Davis Burnside claimed it to put his team level at 2-2. Only a 1:16 after their tying goal, Ohio State struck again, this time through #8 Scooter Brickey, giving them their first lead of the night at 3-2. Then the penalties started to mount for Mercyhurst in crunch time, they ended picking up 3 in the third period alone. It looked as though they were staying alive, but then Burnside ended up scoring his second on the day in the 18th minute to make it a 4-2 game. The Lakers fought until the very end though, providing another moment with Mickey Burns getting his goal with a second left on the clock.
The contest would end with a final score of 4-3 with Mercyhurst putting out a valiant effort on the ice tonight against a tough Buckeyes squad.
Highlights
Philip Waugh, Marko Reifenberger, and Mickey Burns all score their first goals of the season.
Philip Waugh, Tommy Bannister, Keanan Stewart, Marko Reifenberger, and Nicholas Kent all picked up an assist on the night.
Owen Say finished with 44 saves on the night, with a .917 save percentage
Scoring Summary
P1: 12:04 - Philip Waugh from Keanan Stewart and Marko Reifenberger
P2: 6:12 - Marko Reifenberger from Tommy Bannister and Nicholas Kent
P3: 19:59 - Mickey Burns from Philip Waugh
Next Up
The Lakers will be back at the Mercyhurst Ice Center to host their first AHA division game of the season against Robert Morris on Saturday, October 14th at 4:00pm.
