Erie, Pa. – The Mercyhurst Women's Ice Hockey team continues their 2024-25 campaign with a two-game AHA series against the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Tigers this weekend. The Lakers will look to extend their two-game winning streak and solidify their position in conference play. Puck drop is set for Friday afternoon at 3 PM and Saturday afternoon at 1 PM at the Mercyhurst Ice Center. 

History 

Mercyhurst leads the all-time series over RIT 43-7-1.  The Lakers won three of the four matchups a season ago and have won 12 of the last 14 meetings.  In the history of this matchup, the Lakers are 23-4 at home and are averaging 3.78 goals per game in the series history. 

Laker Outlook 

The Lakers enter the weekend with a 5-7-1 overall record and a 3-1-0 mark in Atlantic Hockey play. Offensively, Thea Johansson leads the team with nine points on six goals and three assists, while Vanessa Upson has dished out a team-high eight assists. Goaltender Jorden Mattison has been a stalwart in net, especially as of late, posting a .936 save percentage and three shutouts across her nine starts this season.  Mattison is coming off back-to-back shutouts against Robert Morris a week ago.  Mercyhurst's special teams have been a key factor, with the power play converting at 17.2% and the penalty kill operating at 80.8%.  

A Look at RIT 

RIT comes into the series with a 6-5-3 overall record and a 1-2-1 mark in conference play. The Tigers are led offensively by Kylie Aquaro, who has 12 points on five goals and seven assists, and Addie Alvarez, who has contributed eight points, including five goals. Goaltender Sarah Coe has been strong between the pipes, boasting a .920 save percentage and two shutouts in her eight starts. 

RIT's power play has been effective, converting 18.0% of opportunities, while their penalty kill has been even stronger, shutting down opponents at a rate of 89.5%. Defensively, Kyla Bear leads the team with 29 blocked shots, providing a steady presence on the blue line. 

What to Watch For 

• Thea Johansson and Kylie Aquaro are key players to watch, as both lead their respective teams in scoring. 

• A goaltending battle between Jorden Mattison and Sarah Coe, who both rank among the top AHA netminders. 

• Special teams play, with both teams boasting effective power plays and penalty kills. 

Next Up 

Following the series with RIT, Mercyhurst will stay at home to face New Hampshire in a non-conference matchup.  This will be the first matchup between these two schools since 2007.