Syracuse, NY. - The Mercyhurst Women's Ice Hockey team will travel to Syracuse for their final series of the regular season. The Lakers will look to finish the season on a high note, before the start of the CHA postseason.
History Lesson
The Lakers swept the Orange in their first meeting this season, outscoring them 8-3 in the two-game set. Going back to last season, the Lakers are 7-0-1 in the last eight games against the Orange, including a series sweep in the CHA semifinals.
Last Time Out
This past weekend, the Lakers swept Lindenwood in their final regular season home series of the season, including a win on senior day. In game one, the Lakers got the win 3-0 with goals from Vanessa Upson, Henlee Mahoney, and Olivia Cvar. Ena Nystrøm also recorded her sixth shutout of the season and her 14th of her career. In game two, the Lakers ran away with a 6-2 win. In that game the Lakers had six different goal scorers, and five different Lakers had multiple points. Sara Boucher had a goal and three assists in the win.
Stats Leaders
Sara Boucher continues to lead the Lakers in goals, assists and points. After a four-point weekend, Boucher has 16 goals, 21 assists, and 37 points this season. When it comes to CHA ranks, Boucher is tied for second in goals, second in assists, and third in points.
Vanessa Upson has found her stride late in the year. Upson ranks second on the team in points with 28, and third on the team in goals with 13.
Sydney Pedersen leads all active CHA blueliners in points this season with 24 and ranks No. 15 in CHA history among defensemen with 66 career points.
Sofia Nuutinen is tied for third nationally in freshman scoring with 27 points on 10 goals and 17 assists. Her assist total is tied for second nationally among rookies.
Ena Nystrøm is 16-14-1 in net with a .925 save percentage, 2.26 GAA, 858 saves, and six shutouts. Nystrøm ranks first in saves per game, second in GAA, and second in saves.
A Look at the Opponent
The Orange are 7-22-3 overall and 4-12-2 in the CHA. The Orange are coming off a series split with RIT and are 1-2-1 in their last four games. Darci Johal leads the Orange in goals with 13 and points with 22. Tatum White and Alexandria Weiss are tied for first in assists with 14. Allie Kelley leads the Orange in wins (7), save percentage (.906), goals allowed average (3.79), saves (1090), and shutouts (2).
CHA Postseason
Penn State has clinched the top seed and a home playoff series against RIT/Lindenwood. Mercyhurst has clinched the two seed and a home playoff series against Robert Morris. In its first season back as a program, Robert Morris has clinched a playoff spot in the CHA playoffs and will travel to Mercyhurst. RIT and Lindenwood are fighting for the fourth and final spot in the playoffs. Both teams are tied with 14 points with two games left in the regular season. Lindenwood will host Robert Morris, and RIT will travel to Penn State.
Puck drop for Friday's game is set for 6 PM.
