Erie, Pa. - The Mercyhurst Women's Ice Hockey team looked for a sweep of this weekend series as they hosted the Penn State Nittany Lions for game two. After being shutout in game one, the Nittany Lions scored three times in a 3-1 win over the Lakers.
How it Happened
It was a slow start for both sides, only putting up a couple of shots on goal each. After the media timeout, the Lakers were able to put shots on goal, but weren't able to get anything to go. The Nittany Lions took a 1-0 lead late in the first period. After one period of play, the Nittany Lions still held a 1-0 lead.
Early in the second period, Ena Nystrøm was flashing the leather, making a number of saves. Still early in the second period, the Nittany Lions took a 2-0 lead. Midway through the period, the Lakers got on the board. Vanessa Upson found the back of the net from Sara Boucher. Upson scored in back-to-back games for the first time this season. The Nittany Lions continued to apply pressure, and Ena Nystrom continued to make timely saves to keep the Lakers in the game.
The Lakers came out firing in the third period as Chantal Ste-Croix and Thea Johansson put shots on net. Ena Nystrøm continued to stand tall in the crease, keeping the Nittany Lions from extending their lead even further. The Nittany Lions were able to extend their lead late in the third period, making it 3-1. The Lakers had a number of opportunities to cut into the Nittany Lion lead. Vanessa Upson put a shot on goal, and Sydney Pedersen put multiple on net, but the Nittany Lion defense kept the Lakers from coming back.
Highlights
Vanessa Upson scored her fourth goal of the year. Upson scored in back-to-back games for the first time this season.
Sara Boucher tallied assist number ten on the season. With the assist, Boucher is now tied for the team lead in points with 18.
Ena Nystrøm saved 44 shots in the game.
Sydney Pedersen led the team in blocked shots with three.
Olivia Cvar won 14 face-offs in the face-off dot.
Scoring Summary
P2 | 14:48 | Vanessa Upson from Sara Boucher
Next Up
The Lakers will return to action on December 1st when they travel to St. Charles, Missouri for a CHA matchup with Lindenwood. Puck-drop is set for 6 PM.
