Moon Township, Pa. – The Mercyhurst Lakers Women's Ice Hockey team returns to the ice this weekend as they take on the Robert Morris Colonials in a key conference matchup. The Lakers, coming off a split series against Lindenwood, while Robert Morris enters the contest aiming to rebound after a recent loss. 

History 

These two teams met seven times a year ago, including a matchup in the CHA Tournament.  The regular season series was split 2-2 between these two teams, but the Lakers got the better of the Colonials in the CHA Tournament with a 2-1 series win.  That series includes record performances from Sofia Nuutinen (4 assists in game two) and Vanessa Upson (5 points in game two).  The Lakers lead the all-time series 54-22-5.  The Lakers won the first 29 games of the series history.   

Laker Outlook 

Mercyhurst enters the weekend with a 3-7-1 overall record, including a 1-1 record in conference play. Thea Johansson leads the Lakers offensively with 6 points on 5 goals, while Vanessa Upson has chipped in with 6 assists, serving as a key playmaker.  Megan McKay and Makayla Javier have chipped in a pair of goals each to add production from the blueliners.  Goaltender Jorden Mattison has been steady between the pipes, posting a .926 save percentage across her seven games played.  Magdalena Luggin has appeared in five games for the Lakers, and she sits atop the AHA with a .945 save percentage.  The Lakers are currently averaging 1.4 goals per game on 27.2 shots per game.    

A Look at Robert Morris 

Robert Morris comes into the series with a 5-6-1 overall record and is 0-1-1 in conference play. The Colonials' offense is paced by Morgan Giannone, who leads the team with 10 points, and Veronica Bac, who has tallied 6 goals this season. Bac's 6 goals are good for second in the AHA.  Mya Neugent has pitched in 9 points as well for the Colonials. In net, Maggie Hatch has been reliable, posting a .930 save percentage over her eight starts.  As a team, the Colonials are averaging 2.4 goals per game on 25.1 shots per game.  

What to Watch For 

• Offensive Leaders: The Lakers' Thea Johansson and the Colonials' Morgan Giannone are the players to watch as each team's leading scorer. 

• Goaltending Battle: Mercyhurst's Jorden Mattison and Robert Morris's Maggie Hatch will be pivotal, as both netminders look to anchor their teams in this crucial conference matchup. 

• Special Teams Play: Robert Morris has shown strength on the penalty kill, while Mercyhurst will aim to capitalize on any power-play opportunities. 

Next Up 

Following the series with Robert Morris, the Lakers will continue their conference schedule as they host RIT on November 22nd and 23rd.