Erie, Pa. - The Mercyhurst Women's Ice Hockey team returns to action this weekend for a matchup with RIT. After winning six of their last eight games, the Lakers will look to stay hot during the final stretch run of the season.   

History Lesson 

The Lakers lead the all-time series 41-7-1 over RIT. In the last ten games of the series between these two teams, the Lakers are 8-1-1.  The two teams split their first matchup of the season back in November.  The Lakers took game one 3-1, while RIT took game two 3-2 in OT.     

Last Time Out 

The Lakers traveled to Robert Morris this past weekend, for their second matchup of the season.  The Lakers took game one 6-1.  Olivia Cvar, Sofia Ljung, Thea Johansson, and Vanessa Upson all scored in the win.  Six different Lakers recorded multiple points in the win.  In game two, Chantal Ste-Croix recorded the only Laker goal.  Ena Nystrøm stopped 53 shots over the weekend.  Nystrøm had a 1.5 GAA, and a .946 save percentage.   

Stats Leaders 

Sara Boucher leads the Lakers in assists with 17, and points with 29.  Boucher and Thea Johansson are tied for the team lead in goals with 12.  Sofia Nuutinen is tied for second in assists with 14, and points with 22.  Vanessa Upson is third in goals with 10 and tied for second in points with 22.  Ena Nystrøm is 12-12-1 in net with a .926 save percentage, 2.32 GAA, 722 saves, and five shutouts.   

In the CHA Sara Boucher is second in goals, goals per game, assists, and assists per game.  She is also third in points and points per game.  Boucher is also one of five players in the CHA to record a hat trick during the season.  Sydney Pedersen leads the CHA in blocked shots with 50.  Vanessa Upson is second in face off wins and is tied for first in game winning goals. 

Sofia Nuutinen and Sofia Ljung are making big contributions in their first year with the Lakers.  Nuutinen has 8 goals and 14 assists for 22 points.  Ljung has 3 goals and 9 assists for 12 points.           

To This Point 

The Lakers are 12-13-1 overall and 8-4 in the CHA.  After having won six of their last eight games, the Lakers sit just one game back of Penn State for first place in the CHA.  The Lakers returned to the polls last week, receiving votes in both the USA Hockey/Rink Live poll, and the USCHO poll.   

A Look at the Opponent 

RIT is 11-12-2 overall and 5-7 in the CHA.  RIT currently sits in fifth in the CHA.  Nicole Ness leads RIT in goals with eight, scoring in two of the last three games.  Kylie Aquaro leads RIT in assists with 14 and points with 21.  Sophia Bellina is 8-5-0 in net with a .936 save percentage, 2.14 GAA, and 394 saves.   

Puck drop for Friday's game is set for 3 PM.